Are skateboard trucks universal? (Answered!)

Are skateboard trucks universal? It’s a question that every skateboarder has been asking for many years.

With the advent of technology and advancements in what can be done with boards and trucks, this becomes more pertinent than ever before.

Skateboarding is incredibly popular among many different age groups and styles, from professionals to amateurs, so it makes sense that any equipment used should ideally work across different categories – but do these parts have to be interchangeable or universally standardised?

Let’s take a look at what exactly goes into making sure your ride is as smooth and safe as possible.

Quick Info: No, skateboard trucks are not universal. They come in different sizes and shapes, and not all trucks will fit every skateboard deck. However, it is important to make sure that the size of the truck matches the width of your deck.

Skateboard Trucks & Different Types Of Trucks

Skateboard trucks are the metal pieces that attach to each side of a skateboard deck. They act as pivots, allowing your board to turn quickly and easily while also providing stability when riding. In short, your trucks are what make it possible for you to turn and carve on your skateboard.

Types Of Trucks

The best truck for you will depend on what kind of skating you plan on doing and how much weight you typically carry when riding.

There are four main types of trucks to choose from – standard kingpin, reverse kingpin (RKP), mini-sized, and drop-through. Each type offers its own set of benefits, so let’s take a look at each one in more detail.

➥ Standard Kingpin (SKP) trucks are designed for street skating and tricks, as they offer more grip than RKP or mini-sized models. They come in various sizes which range from 5”–7” in width, with 5” being the most popular size among skaters.

➥ Reverse Kingpin (RKP) trucks are designed primarily for downhill racing but can also be used for cruising around town or commuting to work/school due to their wide wheelbase that provides extra stability at high speeds.

➥ Mini-sized trucks are great for children who want to get into skating because they offer a lower center of gravity which makes it easier for smaller riders to control their boards.

➥ Lastly, drop-through trucks are great all-around models that provide plenty of stability while still allowing riders to perform tricks with ease thanks to their lowered design which helps reduce wheel bite (where the wheels rub against the edges of the deck).

Are skateboard trucks universal?

No, skateboard trucks are not universal. While there are some standard sizes for skateboard trucks, there are also variations in the geometry and design of different brands and models.

Here is a short guide to help you understand skateboard trucks:

1. Size: Skateboard trucks are typically sold in pairs and are classified by their width, which should match the width of your skateboard deck. The most common truck sizes are 129mm, 139mm, 149mm, and 159mm.
2. Geometry: There are two main types of truck geometry: high and low. High trucks have a taller profile and are better suited for larger wheels and cruising, while low trucks have a lower profile and are better suited for tricks and technical riding.
3. Bushings: Bushings are the small rubber components that are used to cushion the movement of the trucks. Different brands offer different hardness levels of bushings, which can affect the stability and responsiveness of the trucks.
4. Brands: There are many brands that offer skateboard trucks, and each brand has its own unique design and features. Some popular brands include Independent, Thunder, Venture, and Tensor.

When purchasing skateboard trucks, it’s important to make sure that they are compatible with your skateboard deck and that they are suitable for your intended riding style.

It’s also a good idea to research the different brands and models available to find one that meets your needs.

Does it matter what trucks I get for my skateboard?

Yes, it does matter what trucks you get for your skateboard because they can affect your riding experience in several ways.

Choosing The Right Truck:

Choosing the right one is essential if you want to get the most out of your skateboarding experience.

Size Matters

The size of trucks you want depends on two things: the width of your board and your riding style.

Your board width is measured from inside edge to inside edge, not by how wide it looks on the outside.

The size of truck should match up with this measurement, so if you are buying a set of trucks check what size range they will fit before making a purchase.

Generally speaking, if you have a narrow board then go with a smaller truck and vice versa.

As far as riding style goes, larger trucks tend to be more stable at higher speeds while smaller trucks are better suited for tricks and grinds.

Material & Durability

Trucks come in various materials including aluminum, steel, titanium, magnesium alloy and even carbon fiber.

Steel is generally cheaper but heavier than its counterparts; aluminum is lightweight but more expensive; titanium is extremely strong but also expensive; magnesium alloy offers strength and durability but it’s pricier; and carbon fiber provides lightness but can also be costly.

Generally speaking, it’s best to match up your material choice with how much money you want to spend on them.

However, keep in mind that lighter materials may not always be as durable as heavier ones – so consider whether or not it’s worth the extra money to buy lighter material if durability matters more to you than weight savings does.

Design & Shape

The design of the truck determines how easy or difficult it is for you to perform tricks such as grinding or 360 flips.

Traditional trucks have a simple shape which makes them great all-rounders that are suitable for beginners who are just learning how to ride their skateboards as well as experienced riders who want something reliable and easy-to-use.

If you’re more advanced and want something which allows more technical maneuvers then there are some special designs available such as inverted kingpins or low trucks which provide extra clearance when grinding rails or performing other tricks.

Some companies offer custom shapes which allow riders to customize their setup according to their individual needs and preferences – these are usually tailored towards expert level skaters who know exactly what they need in order to perform at their best.

Final Thoughts:

Skateboard trucks come in various sizes and shapes, and not all skateboard decks will fit with all trucks.

However, it is important to make sure that the size of the truck matches or is even slightly bigger than the width of your deck.

This ensures that you have an enjoyable ride as well as maximum safety when skateboarding.

Fully understanding the components of a skateboard and how they work together is vital to have the best experience on your board.

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