Ford Powers Heaviest Rose Parade Float with Lucy Pet Products
The record-breaking float, powered by a 6.8L V-10 engine, is more than 125 feet long and 137,000 pounds.

Photo courtesy of Ford

Measuring more than 125 feet long and weighing more than 137,000 pounds, the Lucy Pet Products 2017 Rose Parade float is the longest and heaviest in the parade’s history.
The float uses Ford’s 6.8L V-10 gasoline engine from a Ford F-650. The Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbo diesel is also available for F-650 and F-750. It delivers a standard best-in-class 270 hp and 675 lb.-ft. of torque, as well as available outputs of 300 hp with 700 lb.-ft. of torque and 330 hp with 725 lb.-ft. The float is powered by Ford’s heavy-duty TorqShift 6-speed automatic transmission, which is found in F-650 and F-750 medium-duty trucks.
With 320 hp and 460 lb.-ft. of torque, the 6.8L V-10 is available for the biggest trucks in Ford’s lineup. Other applications for this powertrain include trucks used for construction, utilities, towing, beverage delivery, and garbage collection. The V-10 is available with a CNG/propane autogas engine prep package for conversion to compressed natural gas or propane autogas.
The “beachside paradise” themed float, built by Fiesta Parade Floats, features a 5,000-gallon water tank. A portable surf machine will generate waves continuously along the parade route for eight dogs to surf, who were chosen in nationwide auditions. The 128th Rose Parade starts at 8 a.m. PST, Monday, Jan. 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. It will be broadcast live.
Related: Ram Trucks to Tow Macy's Thanksgiving Parade Floats
More Fleet Management

What Geotab's New AI Connector Means for Fleets
Fleets can now ask their usual AI assistants questions about maintenance, safety, fuel use, and vehicle performance, using their live Geotab data, and take action on the answers without leaving their preferred AI tool.
Read More →
New C.H. Robinson Tool Opens Door to More Predictable Freight
BidBoardX lets carriers search, bid on, and secure committed freight opportunities through a single digital marketplace.
Read More →
New York City's Microhub Project is Delivering Results
Trucking, last-mile delivery companies, and environmental advocates like what they are seeing so far with New York's microhub program.
Read More →
Why Truck Detention Keeps Costing Fleets Time and Money
A 2024 ATRI study found detention affects nearly 40% of truckload stops and costs the industry more than $15 billion annually. Despite the toll on drivers, fleets, and supply chains, the problem remains stubbornly persistent.
Read More →
Time is Running Out to Apply for Exclusive HDT Event
Heavy Duty Trucking Exchange brings fleet managers and suppliers together for the deeper conversations that lead to ideas, partnerships, and solutions. Time is running out to apply for the September event.
Read More →
Amazon Launches Less-Than-Truckload Freight Offering for All Businesses
This launch is the latest addition to Amazon Supply Chain Services, a portfolio of supply chain capabilities from Amazon, including freight, distribution, fulfillment, and parcel shipping.
Read More →
Import Cargo Volume to See Year-Over-Year Gain Again in June, Then Remain Below 2025 Levels Into Fall
After July, the report predicts a weakening in import volume as consumer uncertainty remains high and the impact of increasing inflation takes its toll.
Read More →
AUCTION OF EQUITY INTEREST IN HEAVY HAUL TRUCKING COMPANY!!
Mark your calendar: June 30, 2026 (10:00 a.m. PDT). A 37.5% ownership interest in MagnaTrans, LLC, a California limited liability company doing business as Magna Transportation Group, will be sold in an in-person and online auction to the highest bidder or bidders under Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code. The Rancho Cucamonga-based heavy haul and over-dimensional trucking company operates across California, Oregon, and Arizona.
Read More →
Volvo Trucks Adds Unattended Over-the-Air Software Update Capabilities
The latest evolution of Volvo’s over-the-air update technology allows software updates to run while trucks are parked, helping fleets keep vehicles current without disrupting operations.
Read More →How Waste Connections is Using Data, Telematics, and AI
How do you manage and maintain more than 18,000 connected trucks? Data. Lots of it.
Read More →

