Parade Driving

I've driven in parades, not a truck mind you. Usually its around 5mph, and as little stop/start as needed. Some turns maybe, depending on where you're doing it. Little town parade I drove in was a long straight run, with a turn on each end to "marshalling" areas. You have to figure "walking speed"

 

I drove a 1927 chain drive Mack fire truck in a local parade. Had to stop doing it when the insurance and liability costs got out of whack. We hauled kids in the back on benches where the hoses and equipment were originally.

You'll probably only be in 2nd or 3rd gear on the low side, and still may have to stop and start on occasion.

 

What about driving the thing back? Unless the parade is a circle or something.

 

Heck; I thought you was talking about a slow truck in the hammer lane....

 

Me too.....lol!

No need to remove the decorations...just hit the highway and run her up to about 70.....decorations gone!
Just joking....that would be a mess!

 

I've done it a time or two--but w/18--so if I had to I could split a bottom hole(only had to a time or two. I'm assuming the Pete has a higher horsepower motor--which has good torque @low RPM. Without knowing your rear gear ratio--I think your idea of 3rd should do--just walk her out gently on the clutch w/o touchin the gas--should be smooth enough to keep the folks on the trailer nice and secure. I used the high side of 2d in mine both times and actually split it down gently and back a time or two to avoid having to brake. But I have 3:23 so it's pretty tall w/a pumped up 550--but she will pull down below 1000 on a grade(though rarely do it--just being lazy close to top) A lot will also depend on who you are following. First time it was a marching band--so that was easy--kids kept moving pretty well. Next time it was some guy in an underpowered dually trying to pull what looked liked the Queen Mary! LOL--Also depending on who is doing the parade--if there are schedualed stops for performances along the way--there may be marshalls stationed along the way to give you a heads up. Either way--good luck and have fun!
Just my $.02