WalMart barricades itself against semi-trucks but tolerates RVs

We pulled RV-1 into the WalMart at Mt. Vernon, Illinois the other day and saw these huge semi-truck barriers surrounding the parking lot entrances. Knowing there had to be a barrier free access for fire trucks, I was able to navigate through the parking lot without incident. These barriers have steel “I”beams handing down over the entrances marked “Clearance 12 feet.” The barrier is enough to knock the air-conditioner off most RVs so be sure you have clearance before going under one of these. This particular WalMart store is surrounded by truck stops and there wouldn’t be enough room for the regular customers to park if they allowed commercial trucks. We spent the night in the Lowe’s parking lot across the street, but I did see several RVs parked at WalMart the next morning. With fuel prices heading higher I expect to see even more RVers using these parking lots for overnight stops. Keeping my fingers on the pulse of RVing in America - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing