Skateboard Trucks

Skateboard trucks are fundamental for the movement of the skateboard; essentially, trucks are to a skateboard what an axle is to a car. There are normally two trucks, they are made of metal and mounted underneath the surface of the skateboard deck; they allow the wheels to be attached to the board. You can’t just buy one skateboard truck (or wheel or bearing…though a deck is one of the parts that you can purchase as a single component).

The trucks themselves are made of more than one part. There is the axle, which is a pin to which the wheels physically attach and which runs through the trucks. The largest component of a truck is the hanger, through which the axle runs. The metal used to construct a hangar is sometimes soft; this allows for better grinding.

To hold the hanger in place there is a large bolt called the kingpin; this bolt runs through the middle of something called a bushing, which looks like a rubber donut, and into a metal baseplate, which is screwed to the deck. The kingpin is adjustable and can either be tightened or loosened. The bushings, instead, are important for cushioning the truck during turns. Hard bushings give a skateboard stability, but turning becomes a bit more difficult; soft bushings allow for easy turns.

As with other skateboard parts, trucks are available in a wide selection of colors, sizes and some even come with special features; there are a number of different companies that make and sell trucks. It’s up to any one individual skateboarder to choose what type of truck he or she prefers on a skateboard. Independent skateboard trucks are among the top 10 skateboard trucks; these are lightweight yet durable and offer a technology called Fast Action Independent Geometry. This allows them to react more quickly to the movements of the skateboarder.

Phantom trucks are also on the list; a Phantom skateboard truck is lightweight as well and has a low profile and a smooth edge for grinding. They come equipped with built in shock pads, or an Impact Dispersion System. Krux skateboard trucks are trucks with low hangers and kingpins; hex tools are needed for adjusting a Krux skateboard truck. They don’t seem stiff and are quick to snap back into position.

If you’re looking for specific skateboard trucks, like Venture skateboard trucks, Royal skateboard trucks, Birdhouse skateboards and trucks, or a Tracker skateboard truck, either visit an online skate shop or take a ride to your local shop. Online skate shops may also help you if you’re simply looking for cheap skateboard trucks and you’re not interested in any particular brand.

A good Internet search will also bring up reviews on skateboard trucks that could help you with your decision, or lists of the best skateboard trucks according to certain experienced skateboarders. You’ll also be able to find useful information on trucks, like how to clean your trucks and how to detach skateboard trucks.