Exploring the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile: Experience Driving a 27-Foot Hot Dog on Wheels

As a child, the thought of a giant hot dog traveling across the country on wheels would make me giddy, and twenty years later, I felt that same excitement when the hot-dog-shaped vehicle arrived at our office in New York City.

I had heard about the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile during my youth, and though I never saw it back then, the opportunity to ride in this iconic vehicle recently made me feel like a kid all over again.

Since its debut in 1936, the iconic Wienermobile has brought joy to both children and adults alike, first making its rounds during the Great Depression, parading through grocery stores and hospitals in Chicago before expanding its tours nationwide.

The Wienermobile has seen various design transformations since its original creation in the 1930s, with a fleet of six 27-foot-long and 11-foot-high hot dog-shaped vehicles currently on tour across the country.

Inside, you'll discover whimsical references to the snack, including hot-dog-shaped dashboards and keys, floors adorned with 'ketchup' and 'mustard' swirls, and a horn that can play the Wiener jingle in styles from rap to Cajun.

A bright blue "bun roof" (sunroof) features floating clouds, signifying that there are "Always blue skies in the Wienermobile," while drawers are filled with Wiener Whistles and other branded goodies.

Initially designed as a 13-foot hot dog-shaped vehicle that roamed the streets and stores of Chicago in the 1930s, the Wienermobile has had several stints in and out of service: once during World War II due to gas rationing and a focus on producing canned meat for soldiers, again in the 1970s when television ads took precedence, and for several months in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, it didn't take long for fans to clamor for its return on the streets of America. When the vehicle resurfaced for its 50th anniversary in the 1980s, an overwhelming number of letters flooded in from the public requesting its comeback, leading to its return to the road by 1988.

Modern Wienermobiles come equipped with six plush seats in ketchup and mustard colors, including two designated for the Hotdoggers selected each year to tour different regions of the U.S.

Hotdoggers navigate the vehicle through various cities, engaging in radio and TV appearances while delighting crowds with photos and memorabilia — including the popular Wiener Whistles — at events like the Arizona Hot Air Balloon Classic and Kraft Hockeyville.

Becoming a Hotdogger is a highly sought-after position, with more individuals having journeyed to space than driven the Wienermobile itself. However, the role offers numerous perks, including covered travel expenses for the year, branded apparel, vacation time during major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, and the chance to choose your own hotel during your travels.

Hotdoggers typically enjoy two days off each week, along with ample time to explore the various cities they visit. Hotdogger Cheyenne Pepper noted that discovering new places often opens their eyes to locations where people wish to live or travel.

"We're in a new city almost every week, so time really flies," Pepper shared with Dinogo. "You’re somewhat of a celebrity for a year, so it’s all buns and fun out here!"

Hot dog puns are a frequent occurrence while cruising in the Wienermobile. They're so cherished that they feature in the application process and training that Hotdoggers undergo during a two-week program at "Hot Dog High" in Wisconsin.

Puns include phrases like "miles of smiles" (a common shout from Hotdoggers over the Wienermobile's speakers) and "relishing" the journey while fastening your "meat belts."

Thanks to its impressive turning radius, the Wienermobile delivers a smooth ride akin to that of a large car. It can travel on highways at the speed limit, so its size doesn’t hinder its speed. However, it lacks a rearview mirror or window, prompting Hotdoggers to train by driving vehicles covered in newspaper to acclimate to this unique feature.

For Pepper, the biggest challenge of driving the Wienermobile is finding a parking spot. Often, they have to take up two spaces. Fortunately, as Pepper describes, the Wienermobile is quite "aerodogmatic" and has even successfully navigated the rugged terrain of Alaska in the past.

Hotdoggers take the Wienermobile out on their days off, often using it to visit the movies or grocery stores, drawing enthusiastic reactions from passersby no matter the location. This reaction is perhaps the most delightful aspect of being inside the vehicle itself.

"Every day feels like a parade; you witness jaws dropping as people point and snap photos," Pepper shared about the joy of touring in the hot-dog-shaped vehicle.

I witnessed this firsthand while driving through New York City, where smiles lit up the faces of onlookers as the Wienermobile made its turn, and others honked in delight from their cars.

"It's always a surprise to see how friendly people are," Pepper noted. "Strangers will come up and share their life stories just because you’re behind the wheel of the Wienermobile, and that’s a truly special experience."

Parents could frequently be seen capturing photos of the Wienermobile during our ride, with a few approaching as we left to inquire about the iconic Wiener whistles, which Pepper happily distributed to the delighted recipients, creating cherished memories for everyone involved.

"You might not realize how many people you drive past who rush home to share, 'Guess what I saw today,'" Pepper remarked. After all, as she put it, "it's not every day you encounter a 27-foot-long hot dog on wheels."

If you're keen to catch a glimpse of the hot dog-shaped vehicle, watch for Oscar Mayer's next Hotdogger recruitment or contact the company via email at [email protected] or through its social media to request the Wienermobile for your upcoming event. Hotdoggers have facilitated everything from wedding rides and family reunions to birthday celebrations for hot dog fans, so you never know when you might spot it next.