Skateboard Truck Buying Guide UK – Sizes, Heights, and How to Choose
If you’re setting up a skateboard, your trucks are the part that really bring it to life. They’re the metal T-shaped pieces that attach your deck to your wheels, letting you turn, grind, and control your board. Pick the right trucks and you’ll feel stable, responsive, and confident on your board. Pick the wrong ones and even the best deck or wheels won’t feel right.
This guide will help you choose the right skateboard trucks for your deck and style, covering sizes, heights, materials, and tips to keep them in top shape.
What Are Skateboard Trucks?
A skateboard truck is a set of metal components that sits under your deck and holds your wheels and bearings in place. They translate your movements into turns, absorb impacts, and keep your ride controlled.
- Baseplate – Bolts to your deck with four bolts per truck. Holds the pivot cup and kingpin.
- Hanger – The largest part of the truck, shaped like a triangle. Supports the axle and takes the wear from grinds.
- Axle – A steel rod running through the hanger, sticking out each side to hold your wheels.
- Kingpin – A large bolt connecting the hanger and baseplate through the bushings. Tightening or loosening this changes turning response.
- Bushings – Urethane cushions that allow your trucks to turn. Softer bushings = looser turns, harder bushings = more stability.
- Pivot cup – A small plastic or urethane insert in the baseplate that the hanger pivots inside.
- Washers and speed rings – Small metal discs that protect bushings and bearings from wear.
How to Choose the Right Skateboard Truck Size
Your trucks should match your deck width as closely as possible. If they’re too narrow, you’ll lose stability. If they’re too wide, you risk catching your shoes on the wheels during tricks.
General rule:
Match axle width to deck width within about 0.125" (3 mm) for best performance.
| Deck Width | Axle Width | Example Truck Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| 7.5" – 7.75" | 7.5" – 7.75" | Independent 129, Thunder 145, ACE 22 |
| 7.75" – 8.0" | 7.75" – 8.0" | Venture 5.0, Royal 525, ACE 33 |
| 8.0" – 8.25" | 8.0" – 8.25" | Independent 139, Thunder 147 |
| 8.25" – 8.5" | 8.25" – 8.5" | Independent 144, ACE 44 |
| 8.5" – 8.75" | 8.5" – 8.75" | Independent 149, Venture 5.8, ACE 55 |
| 8.75"+ | 8.75"+ | Independent 159/169, ACE 66 |
Skateboard Truck Heights and Wheel Sizes
Truck height is the distance from the baseplate to the axle. It affects stability, turning, wheel clearance, and how your board pops.
Low trucks
- Height: ~46–49 mm
- Best for: Small wheels (50–53 mm), technical street skating.
- Pros: Stable for flip tricks, lighter weight.
- Cons: More chance of wheel bite with bigger wheels.
Mid/standard trucks
- Height: ~50–53 mm
- Best for: All-round skating in parks or street.
- Wheel size: 52–56 mm.
- Good starting choice for beginners.
High trucks
- Height: ~53.5–58 mm
- Best for: Larger wheels (56 mm+), cruising, bowls, and vert.
- Pros: More wheel clearance, smoother carving.
- Cons: Slightly heavier, less stability for technical tricks.
Pro tip: If you want to run bigger wheels on low or mid trucks, fit riser pads to reduce wheel bite.
Materials and Weight
Most skateboard trucks are made from aluminium hangers and steel axles. Premium options use:
- Hollow axles and kingpins – Save weight without much loss in strength.
- Titanium axles – Light and very strong, but more expensive.
- Magnesium hangers – Very light, but they can wear faster if you grind a lot.
If you’re starting out, standard aluminium and steel trucks are the most reliable and cost-effective.
Adjusting Your Trucks for the Perfect Feel
You can fine-tune how your trucks ride in seconds with a skate tool.
- Tighter trucks – More stable, better for speed and big landings.
- Looser trucks – Turn more easily, great for carving and cruising.
Changing bushing hardness is another way to adjust turn feel:
- Soft bushings – More responsive turning.
- Hard bushings – Firmer feel, less wobble at speed.
Skateboard Truck Maintenance and Replacement
Well-made trucks can last years, but they do wear down over time. Look out for:
- Cracked hangers – Replace immediately for safety.
- Hanger worn to the axle – Time for a new set.
- Damaged pivot cups – Easy to replace to restore smooth turning.
- Worn or cracked bushings – Cheap to swap out for a fresher feel.
- Stripped axle threads – Use a re-threading tool or replace the truck if too damaged.
Skateboard Truck FAQs
Do all skateboard trucks fit all decks?
No. Always match axle width to deck width for a balanced ride.
How long do skateboard trucks last?
Depends on how you skate. Street skaters who grind a lot may replace them every year or two, cruisers can go much longer.
Should I get low, mid, or high trucks?
Mid trucks are the safest choice if you’re unsure. They work for most wheel sizes and styles.
Can I change my bushings?
Yes — swapping bushings is an easy way to change turn feel without replacing your trucks.
Final Word on Buying Skateboard Trucks
Your trucks are the backbone of your skateboard. Choose the right size, height, and feel for your style, and they’ll give you years of reliable performance. If you’re new, keep it simple: match your trucks to your deck width, go for mid height, and focus on skating. As you progress, you’ll discover whether you prefer lighter, looser, or more specialised trucks.
