What Size Skateboard Trucks Should I Get? [Solved]

What size skateboard truck should I get? I’m sure you’ve asked yourself these questions at least once before buying it. Well, this article answers your question.

Skateboard trucks should be 1 inch shorter than skateboard decks. Using this will make pushing and turning more manageable and makes high-speed riding more stable. Because when you use a truck wider than your deck, the center of gravity shifts one side, which is extremely dangerous.

There is a lot to consider when selecting skateboard trucks. Even a small mistake can ruin your riding. Let’s dive deeper into the skateboard truck size guide and answer the question of what size trucks do I need and how to choose one.

In case your deck is 8.25 inches or 8.0 inches wide, there is no need to worry; simply browse through our recently published article to see the best skateboard trucks for 8.25 deck or 8 decks.

What Size Skateboard Trucks Should I Get

If you choose skateboard trucks for the first time or just replace existing trucks, this guide will be beneficial.

There are a few things you need to consider before choosing a truck size:

1. Skateboard Deck Width: In order to determine the size of trucks you need, it is first necessary to determine the size of your deck.

2. Trucks Brand: The quality of the truck you choose matters a lot. If you select a cheap truck, it won’t last long. Go with a brand that is known for quality, like Thunder, Independent, and Venture. 

3. Use the truck size chart: Once you have determined the deck size, you can look at the chart below to determine what size trucks you need based on the deck size.

Having completed all three of these steps and knowing what size skateboard truck you need, you can begin the hunt for the best skateboard trucks.

Skateboard Truck Size Chart

The table below will help you determine what size of truck you require, no matter what brand you may prefer.

Deck Width	Truck Hanger Width
7.4 inch to 7.75 inch	5 inch / 129MM
7.75 inch to 8.125 inch	5.25 inch / 139MM
8.125 inch to 8.75 inch	5.5 inch / 149MM
8.75 inch to 9.0 inch	5.75 inch / 159MM
9.0 inch to 9.75 inch	6.0 inch / 169MM

Deck Width	Truck Axle Width
6.5 inch to 7.25 inch	6 inch – 7.25 inch
7.25 inch to 7.5 inch	7.5 inch
7.5 inch to 8 inch	7.75 inch
8 inch to 8.5 inch	8.0 inch
8.5 inch to 9 inch	8.5 inch
9 inch to 10 inch	9.0 inch
10 inch	10.0 inch

If you are having trouble understanding what axle width, hanger width, and kingpin mean, look at the image below.

Truck Width

The width of the truck must coincide with the deck width for a fitted size. If it’s too wide or too narrow, it will create problems while riding.

It will be challenging to balance narrow trucks, but they are also lightweight, smaller, and have a lower moment of inertia. While wider trucks have rougher rides and can be difficult to turn, they’re still a good choice for balance and stability. Therefore, choose a truck that will fit your deck, and don’t worry if the dimensions are off by an inch.

For example, if your deck width is 8 inches, then the axle width of your truck should be between 7.875 inches and 8.125 inches.

You will face a problem here since decks are usually measured in inches while trucks are measured in multiple units. In order to help you with this, we have provided you with two different units tables above.

Truck Height

Once you determine the truck width, the next step is to determine the truck height, which is also crucial for the overall performance of skateboards.

It can be measured either from the axle of the truck to the deck or from the baseplate to the middle of the axle, although the dimensions are the same. Truck heights are divided into three categories: low, mid, and high. Although every brand shows different measurements, there is no standard size. Even if a brand offers high trucks, it might be mid on other brands. To deal with this problem, you can measure it manually, following the guidelines below.

Low Trucks: A low truck is ideal for those who enjoy performing tricks. It reduces the center of gravity by which balancing becomes easier. Additionally, it requires small wheels (50-53mm), which are good for street skating and technical tricks such as flip tricks and rail skating. In order to use big wheels, you must add risers; otherwise, you will experience wheelbite. 

Mid Trucks: With medium size wheels (53-56mm), these trucks are ideal for all types of skateboarding, including street and skatepark. Also, if you’re a beginner, this is the perfect truck since it can accommodate all types of riding, even though it’s known as a standard size truck.

High Trucks:

Despite the increased space between ground and deck, higher trucks can be used for cruising and carving on any terrain, including rough terrain. However, these trucks are better suited to longboards than skateboards since they require large wheels (56mm+). The chances of getting a wheelbite with this truck are very slim because it occurs only when the wheels touch the deck, which will not happen with this truck.

Beginners and riders confused with the height of their trucks should pick mid-height trucks because they fit everyone.

Skateboard Truck And Wheels Size

When choosing the suitable truck sizes, you should also consider the size of the wheels to prevent unbalanced rides and wheelbite incidents.

Truck Profile	Truck Height	Wheel Size
Low	46 mm	51 mm
	47 mm	52 mm
	48 mm	53 mm
Mid	50 mm	56 mm
	52 mm	60 mm
High	53.5 mm	62 mm
	55 mm	63 mm
	56 mm	64 mm

Conclusion

What size skateboard trucks you need totally depend on your deck width, your weight, and riding style. As a beginner, only mid-size trucks are suitable, as they allow them to practice all types of riding to discover their favorite style. However, advanced riders who enjoy doing tricks can use small trucks, and those who want cruising and carving can use high trucks.

You can find out more about trucks and other skateboard parts sizing on our blog. If you have any further questions regarding the size of skateboard trucks, please let us know in the comment below.