If you’re building a skateboard, getting the right truck size is just as important as picking the right deck.
The good news? It’s actually pretty simple.
This guide breaks down:
- How to match trucks to your deck
- The different types of trucks you can buy
- How sizing works across brands
1. Match Your Trucks to Your Deck Width
This is the most important rule: Your truck axle width should match your deck width (within about 1/8”). That’s it.
Why it matters:
- Too narrow: board feels unstable, less control on landings
- Too wide: awkward turning, wheel bite risk, weird feel overall
This is especially weird for me to type as I ride 8.0" trucks on an 8.25" deck, but I've got the madness...
Quick Example:
- 8.0” deck ~8.0” axle trucks
- 8.25” deck ~8.25” axle trucks
- 8.5” deck ~8.5” axle trucks
What if I'm riding an 8.38" deck?
The common real world choice is to size down to 8.25". You don’t need it perfect, just stay within that 1/8" range and you’re dialed.
2. Skateboard Truck Types (What Actually Changes?)
Once sizing is correct, the differences between trucks come down to weight, height, and materials.
Standard Trucks
- Solid axle + solid kingpin
- Most durable option
- Slightly heavier, but still standard
- Always the most price conscious trucks
Best for: street, park, beginners, anyone who wants reliability
Hollow Axle Trucks
- Hollow axle (the part your wheels go on)
- Reduces weight without sacrificing much strength
Best for: lighter setups, more technical skating
Hollow Kingpin Trucks
- Hollow kingpin (center bolt)
- Lighter and sometimes gives a bit more grind clearance
Best for: ledge/rail skating
Full Hollow Trucks
- Hollow axle + hollow kingpin
Lightest option available
Slight tradeoff in durability (for heavier or aggressive skaters)
3. Truck Height: Low vs Mid vs High
Truck height affects how your board feels, especially when turning and popping.
Low Trucks
- Lower to the ground
- More stable
- Slightly less turn
Best for:
- Smaller wheels (50–53mm)
- Tech/street skating
Mid Trucks (Most Common)
- Balanced height
- Good mix of stability + turning
- Most trucks are mids without explicitly stating it
Best for:
- All-around skating
- Beginners
High Trucks
- Taller profile
- More turning ability
- More wheel clearance
Best for:
- Larger wheels (54mm+)
- Transition, bowls, cruising
4. Standard Kingpin vs Inverted Kingpin Trucks
Another key difference between skateboard trucks is the kingpin design, this is the large bolt that holds your bushings together and controls how your trucks turn.
Standard Kingpin Trucks
- Kingpin nut sits outside the truck (facing downward)
- More exposed design
Pros:
- Strong and durable
- Widely used across most skate brands
- Trusted for all types of skating
Cons:
- Kingpin can get in the way during certain grinds (like smiths or feebles)
Best for: all-around skating, beginners, and anyone who wants a proven setup
Inverted Kingpin Trucks
- Kingpin is reversed and nut sits inside the baseplate
- Lower profile, less exposed hardware
Pros:
- Better grind clearance (nothing sticking out)
- Cleaner contact on ledges and rails
Cons:
- Slightly less common in core skate brands
- Can be a bit more complicated to adjust
Best for: skaters who do a lot of technical grinds and want maximum clearance
5. Truck Size Chart (By Brand)
Here’s where things get confusing—every brand names their sizes differently.
General Rule:
Ignore the number. Focus on axle width.
Example Size Conversions:
| Deck Width | Independent | Thunder | Venture |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.0” | 139 | 147 | 5.2 |
| 8.25” | 144 | 148 | 5.6 |
| 8.5” | 149 | 149 | 5.8 |
| 8.75” | 159 | 151 | 6.1 |
(Always double check exact specs—brands tweak sizing slightly.)
6. Quick Buyer Checklist
If you remember nothing else, remember this:
✔ Match truck width to deck width
✔ Stay within ~1/8” difference
✔ Choose height based on wheel size
✔ Don’t overthink hollow vs standard unless weight matters to you
Final Thoughts
Truck sizing sounds technical, but it really comes down to getting the width right and choosing a setup that matches how you skate.
Once you’ve got that dialed, everything else is just fine-tuning.
Buyers Guide Series
All you need to know about selecting each part of a skateboard. Assuming you've already researched decks, lets now move on to wheels!