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You may know someone or have a loved one who turns into a completely different person when they’re hungry.
You may even use the term “hangry” to describe the emotional state of these individuals. They’re angry when they’re hungry.
However, an individual’s hunger may drive them to make poor decisions. While desperate times call for desperate measures, common sense must prevail, especially if you’re towing a trailer.
Unfortunately, common sense was not on display in a recent video posted to social media. Let’s take a look!
What Happened at KFC?
In a video posted online, a woman towing a travel trailer attempted to drive her camper through the drive-thru at a KFC. As should be expected, she was unsuccessful and quickly found themselves in quite a predicament.
She drove up onto the curb and appeared to swipe the camper against the drive-thru menu.
While the video ends with the chaotic situation unresolved, it’s safe to say she wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon, and the drive-thru at the KFC was out of commission for quite some time.
Can You Take an RV Through Drive-Thru?
As the driver in the video reveals, most drive-thru locations can’t accommodate an RV. Considering that drivers of big trucks often struggle with navigating a tight drive-thru, an RV isn’t going to stand much of a chance.
Even if you have years of experience and tremendous confidence in your towing skills, the drive-thru is no place for an RV. The odds of damaging your RV, the drive-thru, or both, are far too high.
It doesn’t matter what restaurant it is. Taking an RV through a drive-thru is an awful idea. If it’s not obvious, we don’t recommend giving it a try the next time your stomach growls and you’re towing your RV.
How Tall Are RVs?
RVs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. However, Class A and fifth wheels RVs can push the maximum legal height of 13 feet 6 inches.
Travel trailers and Class C RVs tend to be slightly shorter but are still between 11 feet and 12 feet tall. The shortest type of RV is Class B RVs. These tend to average between 9 feet and 10 feet.
However, just because these are the typical height ranges, you should know the exact height of your rig when hitched to your tow vehicle.
Account for air conditioners and any other items mounted on your roof. Some specs from manufacturers may not consider upgrades like additional air conditioning units or solar panels.
Pro Tip: Even if you don’t own plan to go through a drive-thru, it’s important to know how tall your RV is before you hit the road!
How Tall Are Drive-Thrus?
Drive-thru heights will vary based on location. However, the typical maximum height at drive-thru locations is 9 feet. You’ll want to check the drive-thru height for any location you plan to visit while traveling.
You don’t have to have a degree in mathematics to understand that the typical drive-thru clearance height isn’t sufficient for an RV. You also have to consider the turning radius of the vehicle.
Some drive-thru locations require drivers to maneuver extremely tight turns. Large trucks that require lots of space to make a turn may struggle to make these maneuvers.
Alternatives to Driving an RV Through Drive-Thru
If you want to avoid putting yourself and your RV in a tough situation, consider some alternatives. They’re safer options that will help you enjoy your food without worrying about the insurance claim you’ll be filing soon.
Park Elsewhere and Walk
You may need to park your RV elsewhere and walk to the fast food location. Look for a fast food joint near a large retailer like Walmart or a grocery store.
Because they often have big rigs coming and going to deliver merchandise, they’ll likely be more capable of handling an RV.
It may require walking slightly longer, but consider it an opportunity to get in your steps. It’s worth saving yourself from a major headache and your RV from damage.
Pack Your Lunch
Many experienced travelers plan their meals ahead of time for travel days. Having items they can eat while they travel means not having to stop to eat while on the road. They won’t have to find a spot large enough for their rig or risk putting themselves in a difficult situation.
If you find yourself frequently in this situation, it may be worth investing in a quality cooler or thermos. This can allow you to keep your food fresh when you want to eat it. Packing your lunch can be a great way to save money and calories while on the road.
Keep in Mind: Before you head out for a hike, You Need to pack some of these Delicious Hiking Snacks!
Cook in Your RV
Most RVs have a kitchen, and one of the advantages of towing an RV is taking that kitchen with you everywhere you go.
Instead of driving through an expensive and unhealthy drive-thru, cook your own meal in your RV. Find a safe place to park, whether a Walmart parking lot, truck stop, or somewhere else, and climb in and use your RV’s kitchen.
If you have a propane stove, you can use it to heat soup or make your favorite dish. If you’ve upgraded your electrical system, you may even be able to use your microwave.
You can save money, stay healthy, and eat delicious food while keeping you and your RV away from a tight drive-thru.
Don’t Damage Your RV or Pride for Fried Chicken
No chicken, including Chick-fil-a, is worth damaging your RV or pride. Make sure you have a plan for meals and know your route. Drive-thrus aren’t the only locations with low clearances and tight spots to navigate.
Driving an RV is a big responsibility, and it requires a driver to be responsible and to make good decisions to keep themselves and others safe. Driving one through a drive-thru is not a good decision and one you should ever make.
Same can be said for some fueling stations, particularly older ones where canopies are low and islands are tight due to space limitations. Even with our 21 foot travel trailer towed behind a Nissan Frontier SV, there have been times when getting into, and out of, fueling stations has been an adventure, especially in those areas where there a few options due to a lack of stations in a specific area. Err on the side of caution and fuel up when you have the opportunity for a “straight shot” at the pumps.