Sizing Up Truck Bed Parade Floats

“I’m Using an Inflatable in the Back of My Truck at a Local Parade, How Big Can I Make It?”

Using custom inflatables in truck beds is a very popular option for parades because they’re easy to set-up, cost-effective, and require very little management. There are two basic configurations for hauling custom inflatables on the back of a truck; inside the truck bed or on a platform above the truck bed. The dimensions of your inflatable will be based on which configuration you use.

#1. Place the Inflatable Inside the Truck Bed

- - - Recommended height: 9 feet
    - Maximum base dimensions for parade balloon: 3 feet wide x 4 feet long

Tip: We suggest adding a pedestal to the bottom of a parade inflatable. The pedestal will lift the inflatable so that it will be seen over the top of the truck bed.

#2. Build a Platform for the Truck Bed & Place Inflatable on Top

Recommended height: 7.4 feet
No need for an additional pedestal on your custom inflatable
Base dimensions: 3 feet wide x 4 feet long

Tip: A 12-13 foot height restriction is typical for parade floats due to power lines. Be sure to check your specific parade rules and regulations for size requirements.

Looking for parade float inspiration and ideas? Browse our online gallery full of inflatable parade balloons that are sure to get your creative juices flowing!

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What Others Say About Landmark Creations

"Our giant peach is brand new to us and will help us gain name recognition in our community at health fairs, county fairs, farm markets, school events and almost any event we take it to."

- Greg Stone, Peach Tree Healthcare

"After speaking to a number of vendors, Landmark Creations had the professionalism, customer service, ingenuity, and creativity that we did not find elsewhere."

- Sean Conway, Arch and Loop

"[There was] fun, excitement, and encouragement for everyone to actually walk under/through [the arch] and it worked. We have cheerleaders and small children at the finish line by the arch handing out stickers, saying ‘I did it.’ Before we had the arch, [people] would straggle in anywhere."

- Jackie Allen, March of Dimes

"We usually have to keep the arch up for at least 30 minutes after our races since so many people want to get their photos taken with it!"

- Art Boulet, Muddy Monk

“Not only have they been extremely impactful, attracting hundreds of potential consumers to our sampling teams, but the ease in which we can install them has been a great help...”

- B. Gerety, Veryfine Products, Inc.

"The speed of production was remarkable. We now have eight Hot Stuff balloons that will travel all over the USA to invite people to try our great-tasting pizza."

- B. Eble, Hot Stuff Foods