The Ultimate Longboard Truck Guides By Pro Longboarder

Hey longboarders, you can think of trucks as the metal T-shaped parts that go under your board. But longboard trucks determine how the board reacts to rider input. Every longboarder loves the feeling of gliding, carving, or riding down a hill. But what makes all this possible are the longboard trucks, the key parts that many people overlook.

If your longboard doesn’t turn well, feels shaky, or is hard to ride, you might need help with your trucks. Good longboard trucks can make your board ride smoother, turn better, and feel more stable on hills or sidewalks.

Here is a longboard trucks guide to help you build the foundation of your setup, because when your trucks are dialed in, your ride feels like magic.

What Are Longboard Trucks and Why Are They Important?

Longboard trucks are the metal T-shaped parts under your board. Trucks work like the steering system of your board. They let you lean, turn, and stay balanced while riding. Without them, your board wouldn’t go anywhere.

Good trucks make your ride feel better. They help with smooth turning, speed control, and balance. Whether you’re riding downhill or to school, the trucks make a big difference.

That’s why getting the right trucks is so important; it can totally change how your longboard rides.

Understanding the Parts of a Longboard Truck

It is essential to become familiar with the fundamental components that constitute a longboard truck. A clear understanding of these parts aids in adjusting the influence of the ride.  

Hanger: The hanger is the T-shaped part that holds the axle and wheels. It affects your turning radius and stability.

Baseplate: This piece attaches to your deck. It holds the kingpin and sets the angle, which impacts turning and speed control.

Kingpin: The kingpin is a big bolt that holds the bushings and hanger in place. You can tighten or loosen it to adjust how the trucks turn.

Bushings: These are rubber rings around the kingpin that cushion your turns and control responsiveness. Softer bushings turn easier, while harder ones give more stability.

Pivot Cup: This small part sits in the baseplate and holds the hanger’s pivot. It allows smooth side-to-side movement and reduces unwanted wobble or “slop.”

Other small but important parts include:

• Axle: The long rod where your wheels are attached.
• Washers (or speed rings): Tiny rings that reduce friction and protect your bearings.
• Kingpin Nut: This nut tightens the bushings and holds the truck together.
• Axle Nuts: These nuts keep your wheels locked onto the axle.

RKP vs. TKP: The Two Main Types of Longboard Trucks

When picking longboard trucks, you’ll usually face  Reverse Kingpin (RKP) vs Traditional Kingpin (TKP). They both help you turn and control your board, but they feel very different because of how they’re built.

Reverse Kingpin (RKP) Trucks

RKP trucks are the most popular choice for longboarding. Their kingpin (the big bolt that holds everything together) points out and away from the center of the board. This design helps the truck turn in a smooth and steady way.

RKP trucks are known for being:

• Stable at high speeds
• Great for carving, cruising, and downhill riding
• Easy to control when turning
• Higher off the ground than TKP trucks

They’re best for longboards with a wheelbase of 20 inches or more and are perfect for freeride, carving, and long-distance pushing.

Traditional Kingpin (TKP) Trucks

TKP trucks are more common on skateboards, but some smaller longboards use them too. The kingpin on a TKP truck points inward, toward the board’s center. This gives them a very quick and sharp turning feel.

TKP trucks are:

• Very responsive
• Lower to the ground
• Good for tricks, short turns, and small cruiser boards
• Less stable at high speeds compared to RKP trucks

Traditional Kingpins are great for riders who want fast turns and quick moves, like in street skating or tight city cruising.

Beyond the Basics: Special Truck Types

Precision Trucks

Precision trucks are made using high-tech machines that shape them from a solid block of metal. That means every part fits together perfectly. These trucks:

• Turn super smoothly
• Feel very stable at high speeds
• Last a long time
• They are great for pro riders or downhill racing

But Precision Trucks are also very expensive. And beginners may not notice a big difference compared to a good regular truck.

Dual-Pivot Trucks

These trucks have two pivot points, which let them turn super fast. They’re very responsive and fun for carving or cruising, but they sit higher off the ground and can feel a little less stable. They’re great for quick, flowy rides.

Key Factors for Choosing Longboard Trucks

The key factors for choosing the right longboard trucks are width, baseplate angle, height, bushings, and more. They help you turn, balance, and stay in control. Picking the right ones can make your ride smoother, safer, and more fun. Here’s what to know:

Truck Width: Match Your Deck

Truck width is how wide the trucks are. The most common sizes are 150mm and 180mm. Wider longboard trucks are more stable, which is great for fast riding. Narrower trucks are easier to turn and better for carving or riding in tight areas.

My Tip: Try to match the axle width to your board’s width. If you’re not sure, a little wider is better than too narrow.

Baseplate Angle: How Your Truck Turns

The baseplate angle is the tilt of the main bolt (kingpin) on your truck.

High angles (50° or more) turn easily and are good for carving and slow cruising. Not as stable at high speeds. Low angles (35°–44° trucks are more stable and better for downhill or high-speed riding. They don’t turn as sharply.

Some riders use a high-angle truck in front (for turning) and a low-angle truck in back (for control).

Truck Height: How High You Ride

Lower trucks keep you closer to the ground. More stable, but less space for big wheels.
Easier to push but more likely to get wheelbite. And higher trucks have more room for big wheels and better turning. But less stable at fast speeds.

Tip from my experience: You can add riser pads to raise your board. They help prevent wheelbite and absorb shock.

Bushings: Control the Feel of Your Ride

Bushings are the soft rubber pieces inside your trucks. They help your board turn and return to center. Soft bushings (78a–85a) turn easily, good for smooth carving and a comfy ride. And hard bushings (90a–98a) are more solid, better for stability and high-speed control.

Rake and Hanger Flip: Extra Tuning

Rake changes how your trucks turn:

Positive rake: Turns feel quicker at first, but slower later. Adds height.
Negative rake: Turns feel smoother and more stable.

Hanger flip is when you flip the hanger to make the truck more stable. This works with some truck types and is used for downhill riding. It doesn’t change the kingpin angle, just how the truck responds.

It’s All Connected

Getting the best ride means looking at how all the parts work together:

High-angle + soft bushings = quick turns
Low trucks + hard bushings = more control
Riser pads = better wheel space

Try different setups to see what feels right for your style. There’s no one perfect setup, it’s all about what works for you.

The Right Longboard Trucks for Your Riding Style

Picking the right trucks depends on how you like to ride. Different riding styles need different setups to get the best performance.

Cruising and Carving Needs Smooth and Easy Turns

For cruising and carving, riders often choose Reverse Kingpin trucks with a 50-degree baseplate angle. These trucks make turning smooth and stable. Some riders prefer Traditional Kingpin trucks if they want even tighter, quick turns, especially when riding in the city. Narrower trucks, around 150mm wide, work well because they help with control. Softer bushings, which feel looser, are best to make turning easier and give a smooth, flowing ride.

Freeride: Sliding with Control

Freeride riders usually go with Reverse Kingpin trucks that offer a good balance of stability and responsiveness. A 50-degree baseplate angle is common here too, helping the board feel both stable and easy to slide. Medium-hard bushings give the right mix of control and looseness needed to start slides. The wheels for freeride are usually harder and have round edges to slide smoothly.

Downhill Requires Stability at High Speeds

Downhill riders need trucks that keep them steady when going fast. For this, RKP trucks with lower baseplate angles like 40 or 44 degrees are best. These angles make the ride more stable, even if it means the board turns less at slow speeds. Wider trucks, about 180mm, add to the feeling of safety. Hard bushings with special shapes help stop the board from wobbling. Some riders flip the rear hanger on their trucks to make the ride even steadier.

Long Distance Pumping (LDP) Focuses on Keeping Momentum

Long-distance pumping requires a special setup. Many riders use a higher-angle truck in front for sharp turns and a lower-angle truck in the back for stability. They often add wedges to the risers to fine-tune these angles perfectly. Bushings in the front are usually softer and quick to respond, while the rear bushings are harder for better control. Some long-distance boards even come with built-in adjustments to help with these settings.

Dancing and Freestyle: Tricks and Movement

For dancing and freestyle, riders pick RKP trucks because they offer a good mix of stability and turning ability. The truck width should match the deck to give enough space for footwork and tricks. Medium-hard bushings work well here, helping riders turn smoothly while staying balanced during spins and steps.

Putting It All Together

The best ride comes when all parts of the board work well together. Your trucks, bushings, wheels, and deck should match your riding style. When these parts fit perfectly, you get a smooth, fun, and controlled ride that feels just right for you.

How Much Are Longboard Trucks?

The price of longboard trucks can vary depending on the brand, materials, and what kind of riding you plan to do. On average, you can expect to spend between $30 and $100 for a pair of trucks.

If you’re just getting started or want something affordable for cruising, budget options are available in the $30 to $50 range. These trucks are great for beginners or casual riders. Popular mid-range brands like Paris, Caliber, Gullwing, and Bear offer reliable trucks priced around $50 to $75, which work well for carving, commuting, and general riding.

For more advanced riding, like downhill or freeride, high-end trucks made from precision-machined materials can cost $100 or more. These trucks provide better stability, turning control, and durability, which is important for serious riders.

What are the best longboard brands in 2025? 

When it comes to top longboard brands, Loaded Boards, Landyachtz, and Arbor Collective are favorites for their premium construction, smooth ride quality, and stylish, eco-conscious designs. They’re ideal for carving, cruising, and downhill, making them great for both beginners and experienced riders.

For more specialized performance, Rayne, Moonshine MFG, and Pantheon offer boards built for downhill, freeride, and long-distance pushing. Brands like Sector 9, Bustin Boards, and Globe round out the list with versatile and affordable options perfect for everyday cruising and urban commuting.

Common Truck Problems and How to Fix Them

Even the best longboard trucks can develop issues over time. Knowing how to spot and fix these problems helps you avoid frustration and keeps your ride smooth.

Why Your Board Suddenly Stops and How to Fix It

Wheelbite happens when your wheels hit the deck during a turn, causing a sudden stop. It often occurs with big wheels, loose trucks, soft bushings, or decks without wheel wells. To fix it, add risers to raise the deck, use harder bushings, tighten trucks, or switch to smaller wheels. Some riders also cut wheel wells or use wax to reduce friction.

Squeaky Trucks? Here’s What’s Causing That Annoying Noise

If your trucks squeak, it is usually because of friction in the pivot cup, where the hanger pivots on the baseplate. A dry pivot cup is often the cause. To fix this, take off the hanger, clean the pivot cup, and rub a little bar soap or wax inside. Avoid liquid soap, since it can dry sticky and make the noise worse. Some riders use special lubricants like Bones Speed Cream or even a tiny bit of olive oil as temporary solutions.

Clicking Trucks? Simple Tricks to Silence the Click

Clicking sounds often come from a washer on the kingpin that moves too much, usually the top washer sticking to the kingpin nut and then releasing suddenly. One way to fix this is by using special washers called Atlas Precision Top Hat Washers, which hold the kingpin tightly and stop sideways movement. Making sure you have the right bushings and washers that fit well can also solve the problem. As a last step, lightly scraping the bottom of the kingpin nut against grip tape reduces the surface contact, which can stop the clicking.

How to Install Longboard Trucks

Installing longboard trucks is easy when you follow a few steps! First, line up the baseplate holes with the holes on your deck. Make sure the kingpins face inward toward each other. Then, slide the screws through the holes from the top of the board and tighten the nuts underneath using a skate tool or wrench. Repeat for both trucks. Double-check that everything is tight and that the trucks can turn smoothly. Now you’re ready to ride!

Essential Truck Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance keeps your trucks working well and helps them last longer.

Regular Checks and Tightening

Check the bolts that attach your trucks to the deck regularly, especially after the first few weeks of riding. Loose bolts can wear out your deck faster and make your ride feel sloppy. Tighten bolts enough to prevent movement but avoid overtightening, which can damage your deck or trucks. Also, check your axle nuts to make sure your wheels spin freely but don’t wobble.

Cleaning Trucks and Components

Clean your pivot cups and pivots regularly to stop squeaking noises. Adding wax to the pivot cup during cleaning is a good routine. While bearings are not part of the trucks, keeping them clean is also important for smooth rolling. Avoid riding in wet weather, but if you do, clean and lubricate bearings quickly afterward.

When to Replace Bushings and Pivot Cups

Bushings wear down naturally and should be replaced about every six months if you ride often. New bushings can make your board feel fresh again. Pivot cups should be replaced if they look worn or damaged because they affect how well your board turns and prevent unwanted looseness.

Preventive Care for Longer Life

Taking care of your board helps it last longer. Avoid water and dirt, which damage bearings and metal parts. If you must ride in wet conditions, consider a separate setup for wet weather or dry your board thoroughly afterward. Store your board indoors, away from heat or sunlight, and lay it flat to prevent warping. For riders who slide often, rotating wheels regularly helps them wear evenly and last longer. Good maintenance means better rides and saves you money over time.

My Final Thoughts

Longboard trucks are more than hardware; they shape your entire ride. From choosing between RKP and TKP to dialing in bushings, angles, and width, every detail matters. The best setup is the one that matches your style, terrain, and goals. Keep experimenting, stay curious, and most of all, enjoy the ride.

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