Skateboard Trucks on a Longboard: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Setup for Smooth Rides
At Deviate Board Co., every handcrafted longboard starts with intentional design — from the solid-wood deck to the trucks underneath. Your trucks aren’t just necessary; they’re the foundation of your board’s feel, control, and style. Whether you’re carving city streets, coasting the boardwalk, or bombing a hill, the right truck setup can completely change your ride.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about longboard trucks — from types and geometry to bushings and materials.
What Are Longboard Trucks and Why They Matter
Longboard trucks are the metal T-shaped components mounted underneath your deck that connect your wheels to the board. They determine how your longboard turns, carves, and handles different terrain. Each part contributes to how stable or responsive your board feels. Here is a breakdown of the primary components:
- Baseplate – mounts the truck to the deck
- Hanger – the large T-shaped section that holds the axle
- Axle – the rod your wheels mount to
- Axle Nut – holds your wheels on
- Kingpin Nut – holds the truck assembly together
- Bushings – urethane rings that let the truck pivot and return to center
- Pivot cup – a socket in the baseplate where the hanger’s pivot sits for smooth turning
Reverse vs. Traditional Kingpin Trucks
Longboard trucks generally come in two main types — Reverse Kingpin (RKP) and Traditional Kingpin (TKP) — each offering a unique ride feel.
Reverse Kingpin Trucks (RKP)
- Kingpin faces outward, away from the deck
- Better stability, smoother turns, and a surf-like carving feel
- Ideal for cruising, carving, and downhill riding
Traditional Kingpin Trucks (TKP)
- Kingpin faces inward, toward the deck center
- Sharper turns and more responsive handling
- Best for technical tricks or compact cruiser setups
Most longboard riders — especially those focused on carving, cruising, or downhill — prefer RKP trucks for their balance of stability and fluid motion.
Key Specs That Affect Ride Performance
1) Truck Width
As a general rule, choose trucks with an axle width within 1/2 inch of your deck width.
- Wider trucks = more stability (great for downhill and higher speeds)
- Narrower trucks = quicker turns (great for freestyle or smaller cruisers)
2) Truck Angle
The baseplate angle affects turn responsiveness:
- ~50° → tighter, more responsive turns (carving and cruising)
- ~40° → more stability at speed (downhill)
3) Bushings (shape / hardness)
- Cone = more turn, less resistance
- Barrel = balanced and stable
- Softer (78A–88A) → looser and more responsive
- Harder (90A–100A) → stiffer and more controlled
4) Materials
- Aluminum – strong, light, and affordable
- Titanium – ultra-light, premium strength
- Precision alloys – tight tolerances for maximum performance and control
Popular Longboard Truck Brands
- Paris Truck Co. — smooth, surfy, and responsive (visit site) - [Our favorite!]
- Caliber Truck Co. — precise and durable, loved by downhill riders.
- Bear Trucks — versatile all-around performers.
- Gullwing — classic surf-style heritage.
See how we pair trucks with shapes in our Longboards Collection.
Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
- Mismatched widths — keep axle width within 1/2" of deck width
- Wrong type — TKP is not ideal for downhill and most longboards; prefer RKP
- Ignoring bushings — shape/duro/rebound dramatically affect feel
- Low-quality metals — cheap trucks wear faster and compromise safety
- No maintenance — loose hardware leads to unpredictable handling
Final Thoughts: Build a Setup That Rides as Good as It Looks
Choosing the right skateboard trucks is a mix of art and science — balancing width and stability, softness and precision, feel and control. At Deviate Board Co., we design every handcrafted longboard with that balance in mind — blending surf-inspired flow with craftsmanship. The trucks beneath your board are where that connection begins.
Ready to upgrade your setup? Explore our handcrafted longboards built with premium Paris Trucks and precision components: Shop Longboards.
Quick FAQs
Can I use skateboard trucks on a longboard?
You can, if the deck and wheel sizes fit, but longboard trucks (RKP) are usually wider and smoother for carving and stability.
What angle trucks are best for carving?
Baseplate angles around 50° deliver tighter, more responsive turns — great for carving and surf-style flow.
What trucks does Deviate use?
Deviate longboards use Paris trucks for their stability, responsiveness, and surf-like feel.
