How skateboard truck sizes work
A truck has a hanger (the T-shaped metal part) and an axle running through it, which the wheels sit on. The axle width is the measurement that matters, because it decides where your wheels end up compared to the edges of the deck.
The confusing part is that brands don't label sizes the same way. Independent uses numbers like 139 or 144, and Venture uses numbers like 5.2 or 5.6. Both roughly describe the hanger width. Krux names its sizes after the deck widths they suit, like 8.0 or 8.25, and Ace uses its own series of numbers, like 33 or 44. That's why the same deck can need a "144", a "5.6", an "8.25" or a "44".
Truck size chart by deck width
| Deck width | Independent | Venture | Krux | Ace |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.75" | 129 | 5.0 | 7.6 | 22/02 |
| 8.0" | 136/139 | 5.2 | 8.0 | 33/03 |
| 8.125" | 136/139, 146 | 5.2 | 8.0 | 33/03 |
| 8.25" | 144, 146 | 5.6 | 8.25 | 44 |
| 8.375" | 144, 146, 149, 151 | 5.8 | 8.5 | 44 |
| 8.5" | 146, 149, 151 | 5.8, 6.1 | 8.5 | 44, 55 |
| 8.75" | 151, 159 | 6.1 | 8.5 | 55 |
| 9" | 159 | 6.1 | 8.5 | 55 |
How to read the chart
Find your deck width in the left column, then read across to your brand. Any size listed in that cell is a common match. Where two sizes are listed, the narrower one feels a little quicker and lighter, and the wider one feels a little more stable.
Not sure of your deck width yet? Start with our guide on what size skateboard to get.
What if your trucks are too wide or too narrow?
- A little off (around 1/8" to 1/4"): normal, and most riders won't notice much.
- Much wider than the deck: the wheels stick out past the edges, can catch your feet or ankles, and the board feels heavier.
- Much narrower than the deck: the board can feel twitchy and less stable, and you have less leverage when you turn.
See it before you buy. Board Lab shows an end-on view of your deck with trucks and wheels, so you can see how each size lines up with the edge of the board.
Try Board Lab →Truck height and wheel size
Trucks also come in different heights. As a rough guide, low trucks pair with smaller wheels (up to about 53mm), mid trucks with 52mm to 56mm wheels, and high trucks with 54mm wheels and up. Mid height suits most beginners. If your wheels touch the deck when you turn, that's wheel bite: riser pads, slightly tighter trucks or smaller wheels add clearance.
Bushings: how tight should trucks be?
The rubber bushings around the kingpin decide how easily the board turns. Loosen the kingpin nut, or use softer bushings, and the board turns more easily. Tighten it, or use harder bushings, and it feels more stable. Make small changes, a quarter turn at a time, and always leave enough thread so the nut stays secure.
Most trucks come with medium to hard bushings, around 90a to 94a. Beginners usually feel more stable starting on the firmer side, while lighter riders and kids often find softer bushings easier to turn.
How to measure trucks you already have
Measure the axle from one end to the other, including the threaded parts, and compare that to the width of your deck at its widest point. Many brands also print the size on the hanger or the baseplate.
FAQ
For an 8.0" deck, common size charts list Independent 136/139, Venture 5.2, Krux 8.0 and Ace 33. Confirm the axle width with the manufacturer before you buy.
For an 8.25" deck, common size charts list Independent 144, Venture 5.6, Krux 8.25 and Ace 44. Independent 146 is also often listed as a fit.
For an 8.5" deck, common size charts list Independent 149 or 151, Venture 5.8 or 6.1, Krux 8.5 and Ace 44 or 55.
Yes. A difference of around 1/8" to 1/4" is common and fine for most riders. Narrower feels a little quicker, wider feels a little more stable.
Standard skateboard trucks from Independent, Venture, Krux and Ace bolt onto standard skateboard decks. What changes is the width, height and feel, so pick the size that matches your deck width.