If there’s one thing that heavy-duty pickups are well equipped for, it’s towing large loads. And there’s no better place to show off this striking ability than in front of tens of millions of people during one of our nation’s most beloved holiday traditions. For the 10^th year running, RAM Trucks was the official truck of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Ram is towing again for the 10th year at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Shown: Ram 2500

Now in its 98^th year, the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade featured 34 floats, 22 massive balloons, and 7 wheeled “balloonicles.” This year’s installment also included 11 marching bands, more than 700 clowns, and 10 performance grounds. It took an army of 5,000 volunteers to execute. Among the spectacle were 75 RAM trucks and vans working hard to support the company’s “Built To Serve” mantra.

The parade kicked off with Tom Turkey perched atop a RAM 5500. Following were 27 RAM trucks, which were utilized to tow the massive parade floats along the 2.5-mile route through Central Manhattan. In addition to providing the grunt to move the floats, RAM’s holiday spirit was in full display as three of the company’s heavy-duty pickups were wrapped to complement the float designs of family favorite Sesame Street, the Bronx Zoo, and the one-and-only Santa Claus. Serving as the parade’s grand finale, the Santa Clause RAM got an extra special livery.

Ram is towing again for the 10th year at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Shown: Ram 3500

“It’s an incredible honor for the RAM Truck brand to play such an integral role in one of the most cherished holiday traditions,” said Chris Feuell, Ram brand CEO – Stellantis. “Whether towing massive floats, supporting logistics or showcasing our award-winning lineup, RAM trucks exemplify strength, capability and reliability. We’re proud to help bring the magic of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to millions of families across the nation.”

RAM Heavy Duty pickups make the perfect tow vehicles for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade floats, as these beautiful works-of-art can approach 60 feet long, 30 feet tall, and weigh up to 16,000 pounds. The floats take six months to construct, with the most intricate of them taking nearly a year. Piloting the RAM trucks were members of New York City’s Theatrical Teamsters union.

RAM’s Heavy Duty trucks are powered by 6.7-liter Cummins I-6 turbodiesel engines. The ¾-ton RAM 2500 receives the standard output mill that produces 370 hp with 850 lb-ft of torque. Backed by the company’s 68RFE six-speed automatic transmission, these trucks can tow between 14,000 and 20,000 pounds. Stepping up to the 1-ton RAM 3500 Heavy Duty brings the availability of the high-output 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine, which offers 420 hp with 1,075 lb-ft of torque. An Aisin six-speed automatic transmission routes power to the wheels. These trucks are able to tow up to a staggering 37,090 pounds. The RAM 5500 that Tom Turkey took his ride on offers up to 11,200 pounds of payload and 34,540 pounds of towing capacity.