Longboard Truck Placement: How Should I Mount My Trucks?
When it comes to longboarding, ensuring the proper truck placement is paramount. Not only does it determine how your board will ride. But it can also affect safety and maneuverability. With that in mind, understanding how to mount your trucks requires knowledge of both the board and the truck itself.
In this article, we’ll examine what factors you need to consider. When your longboard truck placement and how different placements can affect your ride.
Understanding Your Ride Style
The way you ride will also play a significant role in determining how you should mount your trucks. For instance, you’ll likely want a tighter placement if you prefer to cruise around town or do some basic carving.
This is especially true if you’re into downhill skateboarding. Riders who enjoy performing stunts should go for a more comprehensive truck placement. This will maximize stability and limit wheel bite. As such, it’s essential to understand your riding style and adjust the truck placement.
Longboard trucks on skateboard decks
Another critical factor to consider when placing your trucks is whether you’re using a longboard truck on a skateboard deck. If you are, you’ll want to ensure the truck placement is only as comprehensive as the board’s width.
This will ensure that there’s no wheel bite. And also helps maximize stability during more aggressive rides. Using the correct screws for skateboard trucks on longboard decks is crucial for a secure fit.
How tight should longboard trucks be?
When mounting your longboard trucks, you must ensure they are secure but tight enough. You want the trucks to rotate without any resistance, which will help you achieve a smooth ride. But, if the trucks are too loose, you’ll likely experience wheel bite or instability during more aggressive rides. It’s essential to find the right balance when tightening your trucks.
Longboard truck placement chart
A longboard truck placement chart is one of the best ways to ensure proper truck placement. Usually found online or in skateboarding magazines. This chart will provide specific measurements for mounting your trucks.
Mount front truck 3/4″ from edge, rear truck 1″ away. By following these measurements, you can ensure your truck mounting is precise and optimized for your board.
Standard vs. reverse kingpin trucks
Finally, it’s worth noting that the type of truck you use will also affect your truck placement. Standard kingpin trucks are farther from the board edge than reverse kingpin trucks.
This is because reverse kingpin trucks have a different center of gravity and thus need an adjusted mounting position. As such, it can be beneficial to research and determine which type of truck is best suited for your board.
Deck width
The width of the deck plays a significant role in truck placement. Generally, wider boards need wider trucks, while narrower boards favor narrower trucks.
Wider boards with narrow trucks can result in wheelbase when turning, too. At the same time, little boards with wide trucks can affect stability.
Truck height
The truck height also plays a role in how your board rides. Higher trucks result in more leverage and turn-ability but can also reduce stability at higher speeds. Lower trucks offer more stability but less turn-ability.
Different types of trucks provide different performance levels. Make sure you choose the right one for your skill level and desired riding style.
Turning radius
The combination of the deck width, truck height, and kingpin angle determines the turning radius of a longboard. Different varieties will result in different turning radii. It would help if you experiment until you find the best setup that suits your riding style.
Wheelbase
The wheelbase is the distance between the trucks on a longboard. Shorter wheelbases offer more maneuverability and are best for street or park skating. Shorter wheelbases increase maneuverability for tricks and tight turns but may reduce stability.
Angles
The mounting angle of the truck also impacts the board’s ride. Higher tips provide more turn leverage, while lower angles increase stability. As with turning radius, experimentation can help you find the right angle for your desired riding style.
Mounting hardware
Last, using the correct mounting hardware when placing your trucks would be best. Using the wrong diameter or length of bolts can cause damage to both the board and trucks. So, it’s important to double-check before securing them in place.
Additionally, some boards need risers between the board and the trucks to prevent wheelbites. Customize truck placement to ride better and perform your best. At the same time, it may take some experimentation to find the proper setup. It’ll be well worth the effort when you’re on the hill!
FAQs
A: The ideal truck height depends on your skill level and desired riding style. New riders seek stability, while experienced ones prefer higher maneuverability. Experimentation can help you find the perfect setup for your needs.
A: Choosing the right skateboard setup for your riding style is critical. Shorter wheelbases are great for skating, while longer ones are better for cruising or downhill. Deciding which setup works best for your riding style is up to you. Experiment to find the perfect balance of stability and maneuverability.
A: Make sure to tighten the bolts enough to secure the trucks but avoid causing any damage. If you need more clarification, it is best to consult an experienced longboarder for advice.
A: That depends on the board. Some boards need a riser between the trucks and board to prevent wheel bite, while others don’t. Make sure you check the manufacturer’s instructions before mounting your trucks.
A: The ideal angle depends on your skill level and riding style. Experiment with different angles to find the perfect setup for your turns. Experimentation can help you find the ideal setup for your needs.
Final Thought
Mounting your longboard trucks is essential for a safe and enjoyable ride. You’ll be ready to tackle any terrain with the proper longboard truck placement! You’ll be ready to take on any terrain with the appropriate order of your longboard trucks!
