On most longboards with reverse kingpin trucks, the kingpins face outward—toward the nose and tail, away from the center of the deck. Traditional kingpin trucks usually face inward. The reliable check is the truck type, not whether the board is top-mounted or drop-through.
Quick orientation check
Stand above the longboard and identify the large kingpin bolt on each truck. With a standard reverse-kingpin setup, the front kingpin points toward the nose and the rear kingpin points toward the tail. The two kingpins therefore point away from each other. The hangers and axles remain parallel, and both trucks should turn symmetrically when you lean the deck.
If you are unsure whether your trucks are reverse or traditional kingpin, compare the hanger and kingpin layout with the manufacturer’s assembly diagram before riding. Do not use truck tightness to compensate for an incorrectly assembled setup.
What’s the Deal with Longboard Trucks?
First, let’s talk parts. Because if you don’t know what you’re looking at, how are you gonna fix it? Your trucks have these main bits:
- Axle: The rod your wheels spin on.
- Hanger: That T-shaped chunk of metal holding the axle.
- Kingpin: The bolt running through the bushings that basically decides how tight or loose your turns feel.
- Bushings: Urethane cushions that give you that sweet turning action.
- Baseplate: The flat part bolted to your board.
- Pivot Cup: A tiny, easy-to-ignore piece of urethane that keeps your hanger turning smoothly.
Got it? Cool. Knowing your parts makes it way easier to avoid rookie mistakes.
So… Which Way Do Longboard Trucks Face?
This depends on the kind of trucks you’ve got:
- Reverse Kingpin Trucks (RKP): These are the longboard MVPs. The kingpins (that big bolt) should face OUTWARD, away from the middle of the board. Why? Stability. Control. The kind of ride that makes you feel like you’re carving waves on asphalt. Perfect for cruising, downhill, or just vibing.
- Traditional Kingpin Trucks (TKP): These are more skateboard-style. The kingpins face INWARD, toward the middle of the board. Not the best for most longboards, but they’re an option if you’re going for a hybrid setup or hitting a skatepark.
Pro tip: If your ride feels like a wobbly nightmare, double-check your truck orientation. Incorrect orientation can make steering feel unpredictable.
Why reverse kingpin trucks are common on longboards
Let’s not overcomplicate it—reverse kingpin trucks are practically made for longboards. Here’s why:
- Stability for Days: Outward-facing kingpins give you a rock-solid base, even at high speeds.
- Smooth Turns: The angled design makes carving feel effortless, like surfing but without the water (or sharks).
- All-Around Versatility: Whether you’re cruising, bombing hills, or trying freeride tricks, RKPs have your back.
Installing Your Trucks Like a Pro
Whether you’re slapping together a new setup or fixing an old one, use this installation sequence:
Top-Mount Setup
- Line up the baseplate holes with your deck.
- Make sure the kingpins face outward (RKP) or inward (TKP)—check twice, tighten once.
- Screw in the bolts using a crisscross pattern.
Drop-Through Setup
- Take the hanger and bushings off the truck.
- Slide the baseplate through the precut deck hole.
- Reassemble everything, making sure the kingpin is facing the right way.
Common Screw-Ups to Avoid
Don’t be that person. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Backwards Trucks: We’ve been over this—kingpins OUT for RKPs.
- Loose Bolts: Tighten everything properly, or you’ll wobble your way to the pavement.
- Skipping Riser Pads: Got big wheels? Use riser pads to dodge wheel bite.
- Ignoring Bushings: They matter more than you think. Soft = smooth turns. Hard = more stability.
Fine-Tuning Your Ride
Once your trucks are on right, it’s all about dialing in the details:
- Tightness: Want smooth carving? Loosen those trucks. Need stability for speed? Tighten ‘em up.
- Bushings: Play around with different hardness levels until your board feels like it was custom-built for you.
- Baseplate Angle: High angles (50°) = sharp turns. Low angles (30°-45°) = better control at speed.
FAQs (Because Everyone Asks Anyway)
Q: Can I use TKP trucks on a longboard?
A: Sure, but it’s like wearing dress shoes to a hike. They’ll work, but they’re not ideal.
Q: What if my trucks are on backwards?
A: Your board will feel like a drunk shopping cart. Fix it ASAP.
Q: Do I need riser pads?
A: If you’ve got big wheels, yes. Unless you enjoy your deck scraping your wheels mid-turn.
Bottom Line
Getting your trucks set up right isn’t hard, but it’s a game-changer. Outward-facing kingpins (for RKPs) are your golden rule. Nail this, and your longboard will ride like a dream—smooth, stable, and ready to tackle whatever the pavement throws at you.
Now get out there and ride… but not before double-checking your setup. You’ll thank me later.
