Parade Driving

I drive every year in 2 christmas parades.

Fire Truck OR pull a flatbed.

It's SLOW going.
Maybe 2 MPH when you aren't stopped.

Remember you will be going the same speed a marching band walks, and they also stop.

One thing you may want to do is get some FRS/GMRS radios and at least TWO "spotters" to help watch for the spectators and your "passengers..
The spotters can let you know if you need to do an emergency stop.

Other than your left leg workout on the clutch, you should have fun.
I always do.
(especially with our horns and mechanical siren on the fire truck)

 

Watch the "air" too.

If you do a lot of horn blowing at those low RPM's you will deplete air and BRAKES will pop on.
(don't ask why I know this one)

 

...done a couple of parades..
Pulling a couple different things before....
Slow going, slow as in you could put it in 3rd, hop out, run around the truck, hop back in, close the door without breaking a pace! usually some stop and goes, bands playing, cheerleaders doing a routine, shriners running around in circle...or around me!
One thing to keep in mind, some will have you turn down the road where the parade starts and stops, and then turn after the parade route, i had a mil spec semi tri axle pulling a 40ft flat, with a local radio station group covering the parade "live" on the trailer, they had put their banners on the sides, well they didnt take into account that i had to turn out of the parking lot to go down the road......needless to say their banners didnt make it out of the parking lot! They adjusted them down between the drives and the tandems, all was good after that.

 

Im with I am Medicineman, I've done plenty of parades. About 15 a year. Not in a truck mind ya but in my 58 corvette go cart or walking as a clown. You should be able to slow down with just pushing in the clutch but for what ever reason do not go too fast. Give your self some space for whatever. Spotters are a great idea, especially here in MN they like to throw candy. Kids will run out to get them no matter what, Hence the not to go too fast. Ive almost bit the curb at times or had my car on 2 wheels avoiding the munchkins or worse yet their parents. But all in all keep your distance, watch your speed, and most importantly watch the kids. Good luck and have fun.

 

..and if you have a loud air horn, maybe tell the people on the float before you guys get going. Don't want anyone startled and falling off the float now.

 

Better chain down those people down on the trailer, plenty of cops around parades, hate to see you get a "unsecured cargo" ticket.

 

Last flatbed float I pulled had a group of college girls on it.
Wouldn't have minded tying them up... but only if they wanted me to.

 

Well it is in California isn't it? Since they are so safety obsessed out there--I would use a good rope and truckers knote secured w/chains and binders? IMHO
LMAO
Have a great time!