Truck Setup Guide
Can You Put Longboard Trucks on a Skateboard? What Actually Changes
Yes, you can physically mount longboard trucks on a skateboard deck in many cases — if the bolt pattern lines up and the width is close. But the real question is not whether they fit. It is what happens to turning feel, stability, and ride height once you swap them. For most riders, the answer is more nuanced than a simple bolt-on upgrade.
Can you actually mount longboard trucks on a skateboard deck?
Most longboard trucks — specifically reverse kingpin (RKP) trucks — can bolt onto a standard skateboard deck if the bolt pattern matches and the truck width is close to the deck width. Physically, it usually works.
The problem is not fit. The problem is that truck geometry changes how the board turns, carves, and responds under your feet. A skateboard deck with longboard trucks will not ride like a longboard. It will ride like a skateboard that leans and turns differently.
Three things matter before you start swapping:
- Deck width vs. truck width. If the trucks are wider than the deck, the board feels twitchy. If they are narrower, you lose leverage on turns.
- Wheel clearance. RKP trucks often pair with larger wheels. On a low skateboard deck, bigger wheels can rub the board when you turn — that is called wheelbite, and it can stop you mid-carve.
- Ride height. RKP trucks usually sit higher than traditional skateboard trucks. That means your center of gravity goes up, which changes how stable the board feels when you push.
A better question than “will they fit” is “what ride behavior do I actually want.” If the answer is smoother cruising and deeper carves, trucks are part of the equation — but not the whole equation.
RKP vs TKP trucks: what the difference means for how you turn
The two main truck types — RKP and TKP — are not just industry jargon. They control your turning radius, how much lean translates into actual direction change, and how stable the board feels at speed. Here is the translation:
| What you feel | TKP (Traditional Kingpin) | RKP (Reverse Kingpin) |
|---|---|---|
| Turning style | Snappy, quick, tight radius | Fluid, deeper carving arc |
| Ride height | Lower — closer to the ground | Higher — more leverage but higher center of gravity |
| Best for | Tricks, tight maneuvering, skate parks | Cruising, commuting, moderate-speed carving |
| Stability at speed | Less stable above comfortable cruise speed | More stable in a straight line at moderate speed |
| Standard on | Skateboards | Longboards and most cruisers |
What this means for you: putting RKP trucks on a skateboard deck gives you a longer, smoother turning radius and more stability when going straight. But it also raises the ride height and changes the leverage you have over the board. If you are used to the low, snappy feel of standard skateboard trucks, the difference will be noticeable — and not always better.
For a deeper look at how deck shape and truck choice affect your overall ride, see our longboard vs skateboard comparison.
Truck angle and bushings: the two things most beginners skip
Even within the RKP or TKP category, two specs control how loose or stable your trucks feel: baseplate angle and bushing hardness. Most people skip both when thinking about truck swaps, and that is where the ride goes wrong.
Baseplate angle
The angle of the truck baseplate (where it bolts to the deck) controls how much lean turns into actual direction change. On most longboard-style RKP trucks, the range is 40° to 50°.
- Higher angle (around 50°): more turn per unit of lean — looser, more responsive, feels surfy. On a short skateboard deck, this can feel twitchy, especially for newer riders.
- Lower angle (around 40°): less turn per unit of lean — more stable, less responsive at low speed, better for going straight at moderate speed.
A 50° RKP truck on a 32-inch skateboard deck will carve hard. If you have not ridden that kind of setup before, expect a learning curve.
Bushing hardness
Bushings are the urethane cylinders inside the truck that control how much resistance you feel when you lean. This is the adjustment most people should make before buying entirely new trucks.
- Softer bushings (80A–87A): easier lean, less resistance, more responsive at low speed. Better for lighter riders or anyone who wants a loose, carve-heavy feel.
- Harder bushings (88A–95A): more resistance, more stability at speed, harder to initiate turns. Better for heavier riders or anyone who feels wobbly above cruising speed.
If you already have a skateboard and want a more cruise-friendly feel without a full truck swap, start with softer bushings on your existing TKP trucks. It is a $10–$15 change that often solves the problem. Your body weight matters here — most riders under 170 lbs start around 85A–90A and adjust from there. See our types of longboards guide for how truck choice connects to different riding styles.
When swapping trucks makes sense — and when a different board is the better answer
Here is the honest version:
Swapping trucks makes sense if:
- You already own a wider skateboard deck (8.5″ or more) and want more carving feel for casual cruising.
- You are comfortable checking wheel clearance, adjusting bushings, and doing a few test rides to dial it in.
- You like the compact size of a skateboard but want the lean-to-turn response of a cruiser.
A different board makes more sense if:
- You want a true longboard commute experience — deck length matters more than truck type for stability over 1–2 mile rides on mixed pavement.
- You are a new rider who has not yet learned to ride the board you already have.
- You want a portable campus cruiser without the trial-and-error of sourcing compatible parts separately.
In my experience, most people searching for longboard trucks on a skateboard actually want a cruiser skateboard — not a skateboard with modified trucks. A complete cruiser solves the portability and carving problem without you having to figure out bolt patterns, bushing durometer, and wheel clearance on your own.
If you are deciding between modifying your current setup and buying something designed for the riding you actually do, this longboard vs skateboard buying guide walks through the decision step by step.
Common questions, answered straight
Can I put longboard trucks on any skateboard deck?
Only if the bolt pattern and truck width are compatible with your deck. A truck that is too wide makes the board feel twitchy. A truck that is too narrow reduces your turning leverage. Check your deck width against the truck axle width before buying.
What is the difference between RKP and TKP trucks?
RKP trucks give a deeper, more fluid carving arc and more stability at moderate speed. TKP trucks sit lower, respond faster to small inputs, and are better for tricks and tight spaces. The core difference is turning radius: RKP = wider, smoother arc; TKP = tighter, snappier response.
Will longboard trucks make my skateboard ride smoother?
Truck type changes turning feel, not road smoothness. If rough pavement is your problem, larger and softer wheels make a bigger difference than truck geometry. Bushings affect how the board responds to your weight, not how it absorbs bumps.
Should I swap trucks or just buy a cruiser board?
If your goal is longboard-style cruising on a short, portable deck, a complete cruiser skateboard is usually simpler and cheaper than sourcing compatible RKP trucks, new bushings, and larger wheels separately — and it comes assembled and ready to ride.
What bushing hardness should I use if I put longboard trucks on a skateboard?
Depends on your weight and the feel you want. Softer bushings (80A–87A) make turns easier at low speed. Harder bushings (88A–95A) add stability. Most riders under 170 lbs start around 85A–90A. Start in the middle and adjust based on whether the board feels too loose or too stiff.
Find the right truck setup for your ride
If you are trying to get a smoother, more stable cruising feel, starting with the right truck setup makes more sense than guessing. Browse our longboard trucks to see what fits your deck and riding style.