On a skateboard, trucks are installed with the screws and bushings facing inward towards each other. This configuration allows for proper pivoting and stability when skating.
Skateboard trucks are critical for the control and maneuverability of the board. They serve as the connective hardware that joins the wheels to the deck. Their orientation is crucial for a skateboarder’s balance and performance. Mounted directly onto the underside of the skateboard deck using specialized bolts called hardware, each truck consists of a baseplate, hanger, axle, and bushings.
Which Way Do Trucks Go on a Skateboard? The correct installation with the bushings facing inward ensures skateboarders can turn and perform tricks effectively. The design and position of trucks play an important role in the skateboard’s responsiveness. Skaters often adjust the tightness of the trucks to suit their riding style, whether they prefer a tighter feel for stability during tricks or a looser setup for smooth cruising.
Skateboard Components
Every skateboard has key parts that make it roll and turn. Think of them as the heart, bones, and muscles of your board. They come together to give you the smooth ride you need. Let’s break it down:
Deck
The deck is the flat board you stand on. It’s usually wood, with a grip tape top. Decks come in many shapes for different skate styles. You choose based on what you like to do.
Trucks
Trucks connect the wheels to the deck. They let you turn and do tricks. Always face the kingpin and bushings towards the middle of the skateboard. This setup helps the board turn right when you lean right and vice versa.
Wheels
- Wheels touch the ground.
- They come in different hardness levels.
- Soft wheels are for smooth rides.
- Hard wheels are for tricks.
Bearing
Bearings go inside the wheels and make them spin. High-quality bearings mean a smoother ride. They are rated by a system called ABEC. The higher the ABEC rating, the better the performance.
Anatomy Of A Skateboard Truck
A skateboard truck acts as the critical pivot point for steering and carving. Understanding the anatomy of a skateboard truck is crucial for skaters who want to customize their ride for optimal performance. Let’s dive into the components that make up a skateboard truck.
Baseplate
The baseplate is the flat, metal piece that bolts directly onto the skateboard deck. This component functions as the foundation for the other parts of the truck, offering stability and support.
Hanger
The hanger carries the axles on which the wheels are mounted. It is the T-shaped metal piece that allows the wheels to pivot, enabling the board to turn.
Bushings
- Bushings are soft, rubber-like rings fitted around the kingpin.
- They allow for flexible movement and adjust the board’s turning radius.
- Changing out bushings can significantly alter the skateboard’s handling.
Kingpin
The kingpin is the large bolt that holds the truck parts together. It runs through the hanger and baseplate, with the bushings sitting around it. Tightening or loosening the kingpin adjusts the board’s turning capabilities.
Truck Orientation
Skateboarding thrives on customization. One critical element lies in truck orientation. For the uninitiated, ‘trucks’ are those metal T-shaped pieces that mount onto the bottom of the skateboard deck. They hold the wheels. How trucks are placed defines a board’s reaction to maneuvers. Boarders’ preferences, stances, and styles influence this setup.
Regular Vs. Goofy
Stance matters in skateboarding. Regular or goofy doesn’t mean right or wrong, but personal feel. Regular means leading with the left foot. Goofy means the right foot leads. This preference impacts the truck orientation on the skateboard.
- Regular Stance: Left foot in front, back foot controls the tail
- Goofy Stance: Right foot in front, left foot at the tail end
Choosing The Right Truck Orientation
Orientation can be the difference between a good skate and a great one. The trucks should always be installed with the kingpin and bushings facing inwards, towards the center of the deck. This arrangement keeps the board stable.
For smoother rides and tighter turns:
- Place the front truck slightly looser than the back.
- Ensure rear trucks remain tight for stability during motion.
Beginners should start with evenly tightened trucks. Adjust as skill improves, and preferences develop. Skaters often experiment with how loose or tight they prefer their trucks for the ideal orientation. Trust in personal feel. Know the board. Dominate the ride.
Frequently Asked Questions Of Which Way Do Trucks Go On A Skateboard
Which Direction Do Trucks Go On A Skateboard?
Trucks on a skateboard point outward, with their wide ends facing the tail and nose. This alignment ensures stability and better control while riding.
What Is The Right Way To Put On Skateboard Trucks?
Start by aligning the trucks with the skateboard deck’s holes. Insert screws from the top and tighten the nuts underneath. Ensure trucks face each other, with the kingpins inward. Check for secure fitting before riding. Regular maintenance keeps them functioning properly.
Which Ways Do Trucks Face?
Trucks can face either direction, but they often align with the flow of traffic on the right side of the road in right-hand traffic countries.
Which Way Do Longboard Trucks Face?
Longboard trucks should face outward, with the kingpins pointing towards each other. The bushings sit closer to the center of the board.
What Determines Truck Direction On Skateboards?
Truck direction on a skateboard depends mainly on personal preference and skateboarding style, varying between regular and goofy-footed riders.
Conclusion
Wrapping up, truck orientation on skateboards is crucial for optimal control and performance. Whether they face inwards or outwards shapes your riding experience. Remember, regular checks and adjustments to your trucks ensure a smoother, safer skate. Get out there, set them right, and enjoy the ride.
Keep shredding!
