Shop our collection of skateboard trucks ranging in size, weight and function. We stock the world's best truck companies such as Independent, Thunder, Ace, Venture and Royal.
Bear in mind trucks make or break your setup. It is also important that you have the right trucks for your board size. Feel free to contact us to see what we would recommend.
Skateboard Trucks represent the crucial steering and grinding foundation of every complete skateboard, engineered specifically to deliver the perfect balance of turning precision, grind performance, and indestructible durability that makes modern skateboarding possible. Skateboard Trucks UK have evolved from crude metal axles to sophisticated precision engineering featuring advanced geometry, premium materials, and construction that withstands the incredible forces of contemporary street and transition skating. Like skateboarding itself, truck design holds performance and reliability at its core, creating the essential connection between rider and board while handling everything from technical flip tricks to heavy transition carving and devastating street impacts. Shop the best in truck engineering from premium skateboard brands.
Revolutionary since 1978 and constantly evolving with skate progression, skateboard trucks represent the most critical component affecting how your board feels and performs. What started as repurposed roller skate hardware and basic cast metal axles has transformed into precision-engineered masterpieces featuring specific geometries for different skating styles, advanced bushing systems, and materials designed to handle serious abuse while maintaining consistent performance. From Independent's game-changing Stage 1 design that defined the standard to modern innovations featuring hollow construction, forged baseplates, and titanium components, every quality truck combines proven geometry with superior materials science. Whether you're after traditional height trucks for all-around skating or specialised low-profile designs for technical street performance, the right trucks transform your skating while providing the reliability, precision, and grind capability that serious skateboarding demands, manufactured by companies who understand that great trucks are the difference between average boards and setups that truly perform under pressure.
Skateboard Truck History & Evolution
Back in skateboarding's earliest days, riders used whatever axles they could find—typically repurposed roller skate trucks that provided basic steering but lacked the strength and geometry needed for the aggressive riding that skateboarding would become. The breakthrough came in the mid-1970s when specialised skateboard truck companies began emerging, with Bennett Trucks leading the way by developing the first purpose-built skateboard trucks featuring aircraft-quality hardware and improved kingpin geometry. However, it was 1978 that marked the true revolution when Independent Trucks launched their Stage I model, designed by Jay Shuirman and featuring independent wheel suspension that provided superior performance compared to anything available. This innovation immediately established Independent as the gold standard, with their precision geometry, durable aluminium construction, and that distinctive turning feel that made them essential to serious skaters. The 1980s saw rapid evolution as companies like Tracker and later Thunder Trucks (founded in 1986) began challenging Independent's dominance with their own innovations in materials, geometry, and construction techniques. The late 1980s and early 1990s brought the golden era of truck development, when grinding became central to street skating and companies had to engineer their products to handle the incredible stresses of rail slides and ledge locks while maintaining turning precision. This period saw the introduction of features like hollow kingpins for weight reduction, inverted kingpin designs for better grind clearance, and forged baseplates that provided superior strength without excessive weight. The 1990s also witnessed the rise of alternative brands like Venture, Krux, and Ace Trucks, each bringing unique approaches to truck geometry and construction that appealed to different skating styles and preferences. Material innovations included the use of titanium axles for weight reduction, hollow construction for improved strength-to-weight ratios, and advanced aluminium alloys that provided durability while maintaining the precise tolerances that serious skating demands. From those early repurposed roller skate axles to today's sophisticated engineering featuring computer-designed geometry and aerospace-grade materials, skateboard trucks have grown alongside the sport itself, constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible while maintaining the core performance principles that make skateboarding work.
Key Features & Construction
What separates quality skateboard trucks from cheap alternatives comes down to specific construction elements developed through decades of skating abuse and engineering refinement. Premium trucks feature precision-cast aluminum construction using high-grade alloys (typically T6 aluminum) that provide optimal strength-to-weight ratios, while advanced models incorporate forged baseplates that increase durability and reduce weight through superior material density. The kingpin angle affects turning characteristics and grind performance, traditional kingpin trucks (TKP) with their angled kingpins provide the responsive turning and low profile that street skating demands, while maintaining the geometry that allows proper bushing compression and rebound. Truck height determines wheel clearance and board feel: low trucks offer stability and reduced wheel bite for technical skating, standard/mid heights provide balanced performance for all-around use, while high trucks accommodate larger wheels and provide more leverage for carving and transition skating. Quality construction includes precision-machined pivot cups that ensure smooth turning without play, steel axles (typically SAE 4130 alloy) that resist bending under extreme loads, and carefully designed hanger geometry that affects everything from turning radius to grind lock-in characteristics. Advanced features include hollow kingpins and axles that reduce weight without sacrificing strength, titanium components that provide ultimate strength-to-weight performance, and inverted kingpin designs that offer improved grind clearance for technical street obstacles. The baseplate angle (typically around 50 degrees) determines the fundamental turning characteristics—this angle affects how much the wheels turn relative to how much you lean the board, creating the responsive feel that makes quality trucks essential for precise skateboard control. Bushing seats and pivot geometry affect how the truck responds to rider input, with properly designed trucks providing progressive resistance that builds naturally as you lean into turns. Whether featuring classic cast construction for proven durability or modern forged designs for weight savings, authentic skateboard trucks represent the intersection of precision engineering, skateboarding functionality, and decades of abuse testing by the world's most demanding skaters.
Brands & Styles We Stock
Explore our comprehensive range of skateboard trucks UK at The Vines Supply Co., featuring precision engineering, proven durability, and performance characteristics that cater to every skating style and rider demand.
Independent Trucks:
The gold standard since 1978, featuring the legendary cross logo and precision engineering that defined modern skateboard trucks. Known for their unmatched turning response, extreme durability, and lifetime warranty against defects. Available in multiple stages and configurations including Hollow, Forged Hollow, and Forged Titanium options for different performance needs.
Thunder Trucks:
San Francisco engineering excellence featuring lightweight construction and responsive turning characteristics preferred by technical street skaters. Known for their eye-catching designs, hollow construction options, and that precise feel that legends like Jamie Thomas swear by. Available in standard, hollow, and forged titanium configurations, Thunder Trucks are arguably the most premium axles money can buy.
Venture Trucks:
Stability-focused design featuring low-profile construction and longer wheelbase geometry that provides superior balance and control. Preferred by technical skaters and transition riders who value precision and lock-in performance. Known for their excellent grind characteristics and snappy response.
Krux Trucks:
Manufactured in the same facility as Independent with distinctive hole design and smooth metal construction perfect for grinding. Known for their stability when ridden tight and that unique aesthetic featuring exposed kingpin and bushings. Preferred by street skaters who value technical precision.
Ace Trucks:
Lightweight construction with exceptional turning capabilities and that classic aesthetic that appeals to purists. Known for their smooth, fluid turns and minimal break-in period that makes them immediately comfortable. Features distinctive re-threading tools and quality construction details.
Royal & Tensor Trucks:
Quality alternative options featuring reliable construction, innovative design elements, and performance characteristics that compete with premium brands. These trucks provide excellent value while maintaining the durability and precision that serious skating demands.
Skateboard Truck Buying Guide
Choosing the right skateboard trucks depends on your deck width, skating style, and performance priorities. For proper setup, match your truck axle width to your deck width, typically within 0.125" for optimal performance, with 8.0" decks working best with 7.875"-8.125" axle widths to maintain proper weight distribution and flip response. Consider truck height based on your wheel size and riding style: low trucks for technical street skating with smaller wheels (50-53mm), standard height for all-around performance, and high trucks for larger wheels and transition riding. Material construction affects weight and durability, standard aluminium trucks provide proven performance and reliability, while hollow options reduce weight for better flip response, and forged trucks offer superior strength for aggressive skating. Brand characteristics matter significantly: Independent trucks offer unmatched turning response and durability, Thunder provides lightweight precision perfect for technical skating, while Venture delivers stability and control preferred by manual and transition skaters. Quality construction details include precision pivot cups that eliminate play, properly designed bushing seats that provide progressive resistance, and steel axles that resist bending under extreme loads. Consider your riding preference, loose trucks (for mad people in my opinion!) provide maximum turning response but less stability, while tight trucks offer control and stability at the cost of turning radius. For grinding, smooth hangers with proper lock-in geometry make slides easier and more consistent, while rough or poorly designed trucks can hang up on obstacles. Kingpin configuration affects performance: traditional angled kingpins provide low profile and responsiveness, while inverted designs offer improved grind clearance for technical obstacles. Most importantly, invest in authentic brands with genuine skateboarding heritage, they use superior materials, proven geometry, and construction techniques developed through decades of professional skateboarding abuse, ensuring your trucks perform consistently while lasting through serious skating.
Skateboard Truck FAQs
What size trucks do I need for my skateboard deck? Match your truck axle width to your deck width within 0.125" for optimal performance. For example, an 8.0" deck works best with trucks featuring 7.875"-8.125" axle width. This ensures proper weight distribution and flip response. Have a mooch at some of our skate truck sizing blogs for more info
What's the difference between low, mid, and high trucks? Low trucks (around 46-49mm) offer stability and reduced wheel bite for technical skating, mid trucks (50-53mm) provide balanced all-around performance, while high trucks (54mm+) accommodate larger wheels and provide more leverage for carving and transition.
Should I choose Independent, Thunder, or Venture trucks? Independent trucks offer legendary turning response and durability, Thunder provides lightweight precision perfect for technical skating, while Venture delivers stability and control preferred by skaters who value balance and lock-in performance. Each has distinct characteristics.
What are hollow trucks and are they worth it? Hollow trucks feature hollow kingpins and/or axles that reduce weight without sacrificing strength. They're worth it for skaters who want improved flip response and reduced swing weight, though they typically cost more than standard construction.
How tight should I run my skateboard trucks? Truck tightness is personal preference—loose trucks provide maximum turning but less stability, while tight trucks offer control at the cost of turning radius. Start medium and adjust based on your skating style and comfort level.
Do expensive trucks really make a difference? Quality trucks from authentic brands use superior materials, precision engineering, and construction techniques that provide better performance, longer lifespan, and more consistent feel compared to cheap alternatives that often fail quickly.
How long do skateboard trucks last? Quality trucks from reputable brands can last years of regular skating, often outlasting multiple decks and wheel sets. Independent even offers a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects, demonstrating their confidence in construction quality.
Shop our complete skateboard truck collection, featuring precision engineering, proven performance, and authentic skateboarding heritage from the most respected names in truck manufacturing. Enjoy fast, free UK premium delivery on orders over £70, with free next-day delivery available for orders placed before 4pm.