Ever found yourself staring at a new skateboard deck, ready to hit the streets, only to realize the trucks you have just don’t feel quite right? That’s a common problem! Choosing the perfect truck size for an 8.5-inch deck can feel like a puzzle. Too narrow, and your board won’t turn smoothly. Too wide, and it might feel wobbly and harder to control. This can make skating less fun and even a little frustrating.
But don’t worry, you’re in the right place! This post is going to break down exactly what you need to know to find the best truck size for your 8.5-inch deck. We’ll look at why this size is popular and the simple rules to follow. By the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident picking out trucks that will make your rides smoother, your turns sharper, and your overall skating experience much better. Let’s get started on finding your perfect match!
Top Truck Size For 8.5 Deck Recommendations
![[CCS] Skateboard Trucks | Professional Grade | Steel | Sizes 109mm, 129mm, 139mm, 149mm, & 169mm | Raw Silver, Black | Set of 2 | 1' Mounting Hardware Included (Raw, 149mm (Fits 8.5' Decks))](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41lO06hkYiL._SL160_._SL160_.jpg)
- SET OF 2 TRUCKS + MOUNTING HARDWARE: Two trucks are needed for a skateboard, so we conveniently sell our trucks in sets of two. We also include a set of 1" Phillips hardware for mounting the trucks to the deck.
- QUALITY STEEL BUILD: CCS skateboard trucks are built using quality steel hangers and baseplates, and also feature no-slip axles and kingpins. Sturdiness is key when it comes to trucks, and that was at the forefront of our mind's when designing these.
- TESTED BY THE EXPERTS: CCS is a skateshop that has a storied legacy dating back to 1985. At our headquarters in Portland, Oregon, we've had our skate team and shop staff put these trucks to the test, and they've held up their quality for even our most experienced skaters.
- EASY TURNING & CONTROL: We use premium high rebound bushings to allow for smoother, sharper, and more controlled turning.
- GREAT FOR ALL TYPES OF SKATING: We specifically designed our trucks to have a classic geometry, making them a versatile truck that performs well in the streets, at the skatepark, or cruising around town.
![[CCS] Skateboard Trucks | Professional Grade | Steel | Sizes 109mm, 129mm, 139mm, 149mm, & 169mm | Raw Silver, Black | Set of 2 | 1' Mounting Hardware Included (Black, 149mm (Fits 8.5' Decks))](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41qrgnxK-aL._SL160_._SL160_.jpg)
- SET OF 2 TRUCKS + MOUNTING HARDWARE: Two trucks are needed for a skateboard, so we conveniently sell our trucks in sets of two. We also include a set of 1" Phillips hardware for mounting the trucks to the deck.
- QUALITY STEEL BUILD: CCS skateboard trucks are built using quality steel hangers and baseplates, and also feature no-slip axles and kingpins. Sturdiness is key when it comes to trucks, and that was at the forefront of our mind's when designing these.
- TESTED BY THE EXPERTS: CCS is a skateshop that has a storied legacy dating back to 1985. At our headquarters in Portland, Oregon, we've had our skate team and shop staff put these trucks to the test, and they've held up their quality for even our most experienced skaters.
- EASY TURNING & CONTROL: We use premium high rebound bushings to allow for smoother, sharper, and more controlled turning.
- GREAT FOR ALL TYPES OF SKATING: We specifically designed our trucks to have a classic geometry, making them a versatile truck that performs well in the streets, at the skatepark, or cruising around town.
- Includes everything you need to mount these skateboard trucks to a skateboard deck. Includes 2 Independent Trucks, Includes a set of 2, 1/8" polyurethane riser pads, and 1" Mounting Hardware from Dime Bag Hardware.
- Durable, high performance truck for all types of skateboarding. 356 T6 Aluminum hanger and baseplate, solid Chromoly steel axle, grade 8 kingpin, Indy cushions with cylinder bottom. Featuring superior turn and stability, better grind clearance, improved no hang-up yoke for grind tricks, and less wheel bite.
- Indy 149s measure 8.5" wide.
- Includes hand selected components to make a premium complete that even the pros would be proud of. Top tier parts from leaders in the industry. Includes a Santa Cruz Skateboards Deck, Krux Trucks, Spitfire Wheels, Independent GP-S Bearings, Black Diamond Griptape, 1" Hardware and Risers.
- DECK: 7 ply North American Maple pressed individually using epoxy making a strong, responsive deck with long lasting pop and consistent concave and kick. Deck Measures 8.5" x 32.2".
- TRUCKS: The Krux K5 DLK (Down-Low Kingpin) Truck has all the improved features of our K5 standard truck including the Pur-fect Turn, quicker turning geometry, a new pivot shape & more durable injection molded pivot cup. They feature the revolutionary inverted kingpin and shaft nut system for the backcountry skater that is versatile, lightweight, and capable of keeping your grinds on point all day.
- WHEELS: The newly developed burners offer a new tier in Spitfires line. Using a unique new urethane, the burners provide an option for any skater looking for a high-quality wheel thatโs great to ride and doesnโt sacrifice performance for the price. Poured in the Bighead shape, 99A durometer hardness.
- BEARINGS AND HARDWARE: Independent GP-S Bearings are engineered from the ground up with exclusive components. Key Features of Independent Genuine Parts Gp-S Skateboard Bearings: Dust proof metal outer shield, Serviceable shieldless back, All new faster and more durable Super Cage design, Micro polished steel races, Excellent oxidation resistance and corrosion protection, Water resistant, Extended wear protection. Also Includes 1" Phillips hardware and 1/8" Risers.
- ๐๐ซ๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ฎ๐ฆ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐จ๐ง๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ: Our complete skateboard assembly kit includes top-notch components, ensuring durability, performance, and reliability.
- ๐๐ง๐ฅ๐จ๐๐ค ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐ค๐๐ญ๐๐๐จ๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ฆ๐ฌ: Everything you need to build your complete skateboard, except for the deck, is included in the skateboard kit. This includes RADECKAL trucks, white wheels, RADECKAL Blue ABEC 7 bearings, skateboard hardware kit, regular black grip tape, and a RADECKAL silver Y skate tool.
- ๐๐ฅ๐๐ฏ๐๐ญ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐ค๐๐ญ๐ ๐๐๐ฆ๐! The skateboard tools feature RADECKAL trucks and wheels designed for stability and precision, high-performance wheels for smooth rides, and ABEC 7 bearings for optimal speed and efficiency.
- ๐๐๐๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐ฆ๐๐ฅ๐ฒ, ๐๐๐ฑ๐ข๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ฆ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ง! With our complete skateboard set, you'll experience effortless assembly, superior performance, and the satisfaction of hitting the park in no time.
- ๐๐ซ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐ข๐ญ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ญ'๐ฌ ๐๐๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐๐๐ฒ! Don't miss out on the opportunity to elevate your skateboarding experience with our skateboard combo set . Order our full skate board tool kit today and start shredding with confidence!
- Core Trucks have offered more than 20 years of performance and remain the top performing truck for skaters on a budget who donโt want to sacrifice quality.
- Now venturing into weight saving technology, these core trucks offer hollow kingpins which simultaneously lower the weight of the truck while increasing strength and performance.
- Featuring hollow body kingpins, lightweight aluminum alloy hangers, heavy duty baseplates, and premium USA Made Bushings and Pivot Cups. Super high rebound (SHR) bushings and pivot cups offer a responsive, smooth, and consistent ride.
- All Core Trucks are assembled in the USA.
- Size 6.0 - 8.63" Axle Length - Fits Decks 8.5" - 9.0".
- Molded Pivot Cup: Injection Molded
- Kingpin Type: Inverted
- Height: Standard
- Hanger Width: 5.87 inches
- Axle Width: 8.50 inches
- 7-ply maple construction.
- Moderate concave and wheel wells.
- Moderate and wide kick tails with a slightly elongated and steeper nose.
- Note: Grip tape not applied to the top.
- Note: Components such as trucks, wheels, and bearings sold separately
Choosing the Right Truck Size for Your 8.5 Deck
So, you’ve got an 8.5-inch wide skateboard deck. That’s a great size for many skaters! Now, you need the right trucks to go with it. Trucks are the metal parts that attach your wheels to the deck. Picking the right size is super important for how your skateboard feels and rides. Let’s break it down.
Why Truck Size Matters
Trucks that are too wide or too narrow can mess with your skating. If your trucks are too wide, your board might feel wobbly. If they’re too narrow, it can be hard to turn. We want your board to feel just right!
Key Features to Look For
Truck Width
This is the most important thing. You want your truck’s axle (the bar that holds the wheels) to be about the same width as your deck. For an 8.5-inch deck, you’re usually looking for trucks with an axle length of around 8.25 inches to 8.5 inches. Some brands might list their truck size by the hanger width, which is the part that sticks out. For an 8.5 deck, a hanger width of about 5.5 inches is often a good match.
Height
Trucks come in different heights: low, mid, and high. Low trucks keep you closer to the ground, making flip tricks easier. High trucks give you more space between your deck and the ground, which helps prevent “wheel bite” (when your wheel touches the deck during a turn). For an 8.5 deck, mid-height trucks are a popular choice because they offer a good balance.
Bushings
Bushings are the rubbery rings inside your trucks. They affect how easily your board turns. Softer bushings make turning easier, while harder bushings make your board more stable at high speeds. You can even swap them out later to find what you like best.
Important Materials
Aluminum Alloy
Most skateboard trucks are made from strong aluminum alloy. This material is lightweight and durable, which is exactly what you need for skating. It can handle the bumps and grinds of everyday use.
Steel Axle and Kingpin
The axle (where the wheels go) and the kingpin (the bolt that holds the trucks together) are usually made of strong steel. This makes sure they don’t bend or break easily, even when you’re doing big jumps.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Brand Reputation
Well-known skateboard truck brands often use better materials and have more experience in designing trucks. This usually means they last longer and perform better. Cheaper, no-name brands might use weaker materials that can break sooner.
Construction
Look for trucks with solid construction. A well-built truck will feel sturdy and responsive. If a truck feels loose or wobbly right out of the box, it’s probably not good quality.
Weight
Lighter trucks can make your board feel more nimble, which is great for flip tricks. However, sometimes super lightweight trucks might be less durable. Mid-weight trucks often offer a good mix of both.
User Experience and Use Cases
Street Skating
For street skating, where you do tricks on stairs, ledges, and rails, you want trucks that are durable and responsive. Mid-height trucks are often preferred here. They give you enough clearance for grinds without being too high.
Park Skating
If you skate in skateparks, doing ramps and bowls, you might like trucks that are a bit more stable. Higher trucks can be good here to avoid wheel bite when carving hard. But again, mid-height trucks are very versatile.
Cruising
For just cruising around town, comfort and stability are key. Softer bushings can make your ride smoother. The size for cruising is less strict, but keeping the axle width close to your deck width is still a good idea.
How to Mount Your Trucks
You’ll need a skate tool to attach your trucks. Make sure the kingpin faces outwards on both trucks. The nuts should be tightened enough so the trucks feel secure but not so tight that they can’t turn.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What truck size is best for an 8.5 deck?
A: For an 8.5-inch deck, you generally want trucks with an axle length between 8.25 inches and 8.5 inches. A hanger width of about 5.5 inches usually works well.
Q: Can I use trucks that are a little wider or narrower than my deck?
A: You can, but it’s not ideal. Trucks that are too wide can make your board feel unstable. Trucks that are too narrow can make turning difficult.
Q: What does truck height mean?
A: Truck height refers to how high the truck sits off the ground. They come in low, mid, and high options.
Q: Are all skateboard trucks made of metal?
A: Yes, most skateboard trucks are made from strong aluminum alloy with steel parts.
Q: How do I know if my trucks are good quality?
A: Good quality trucks feel solid and responsive. They are usually made by reputable brands and don’t have loose parts.
Q: What are bushings for?
A: Bushings are the rubbery parts inside the trucks that help your board turn. Softer ones turn easier, and harder ones are more stable.
Q: Should I get low, mid, or high trucks for my 8.5 deck?
A: Mid-height trucks are a great all-around choice for an 8.5 deck. They offer a good balance for different types of skating.
Q: How do I prevent wheel bite?
A: Wheel bite happens when your wheel touches the deck when you turn. Using higher trucks or smaller wheels can help prevent this.
Q: Do I need to buy trucks if I buy a complete skateboard?
A: Most complete skateboards come with trucks already attached. You usually only need to buy trucks if you’re building your own board or replacing old ones.
Q: Where can I find the size of my trucks?
A: The size is often printed on the truck hanger or listed in the product description if you bought them online.