When it comes to traveling in comfort, your mattress is just as important as your RV’s engine or layout. After all, restful sleep transforms your road trip experience, whether you’re traveling cross-country or enjoying weekend getaways. But here’s the catch: RV mattresses don’t follow the same sizing standards as traditional home mattresses. Instead, they come in unique dimensions designed to fit compact spaces, slide-outs, bunks, and loft areas.
This guide breaks down RV mattress sizes, explains how they differ from standard mattresses, and helps you choose the right option for your motorhome, camper, or travel trailer. By the end, you’ll know exactly what fits, what doesn’t, and which mattress type suits your lifestyle on the road.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Key Takeaways
- Why RV Mattress Sizes Differ from Standard Beds
- Common RV Mattress Sizes (With Dimensions)
- Comparison Table
- RV Mattress Types
- Key Considerations When Choosing an RV Mattress
- Visual Graph
- Tips for Measuring and Replacing an RV Mattress
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
- RV mattresses have unique sizes that don’t always match traditional home mattresses.
- Common sizes include RV Bunk, RV Twin, RV Full/Double, RV Short Queen, RV Queen, RV King, and RV California King.
- "Short" versions are a few inches shorter to fit smaller floor plans.
- Mattress types vary in support, comfort, and cooling memory foam, hybrid, and innerspring are most popular.
- Measuring your RV bed platform is critical before purchasing a replacement mattress.
Why RV Mattress Sizes Differ from Standard Beds
Unlike a typical home bedroom, RVs are built with compact designs to maximize living space. Manufacturers often shave off a few inches in mattress length or width to ensure beds fit into corners, slide-outs, and over cab areas.
For example:
- A Short Queen RV Mattress measures 60” x 75”, compared to a standard home queen at 60” x 80”.
- RV bunks often range from 28” to 35” wide and may be shorter than standard twin beds.
This difference can be confusing for RV owners who expect home-sized replacements to fit. Buying the wrong size could mean your mattress hangs off the platform or simply won’t fit inside your camper.
Common RV Mattress Sizes (With Dimensions)
Here are the most common RV mattress sizes you’ll find:
- RV Bunk: 28–35” wide x 75” long
- RV Twin: 38” x 75”
- RV Full/Double: 53” x 75”
- RV Short Queen: 60” x 75”
- RV Queen: 60” x 80”
- RV King: 72” x 75”
- RV California King: 72” x 80”
These may vary slightly by manufacturer, but most RV mattress companies follow these general dimensions.
RV Mattress Size Comparison Table
|
Mattress Size |
Dimensions (inches) |
Best For |
|
RV Bunk |
28–35 x 75 |
Kids, small bunks, compact RVs |
|
RV Twin |
38 x 75 |
Single sleeper, narrow spaces |
|
RV Full/Double |
53 x 75 |
Couples in smaller campers |
|
RV Short Queen |
60 x 75 |
Most common RV mattress size |
|
RV Queen |
60 x 80 |
RVs with more bedroom space |
|
RV King |
72 x 75 |
Wide-body RVs, luxury campers |
|
RV California King |
72 x 80 |
Tall sleepers, large RV bedrooms |
RV Mattress Types: Foam, Hybrid, and Innerspring
1. Memory Foam RV Mattresses
- Excellent contouring and pressure relief.
- Best for couples and side sleepers.
- Downsides: May trap heat in warm climates.
2. Hybrid RV Mattresses
- Combination of foam and coils for balanced support.
- Great for all sleep positions.
- Usually more expensive, but highly durable.
3. Innerspring RV Mattresses
- Budget-friendly and traditional feel.
- Good airflow, keeping sleepers cool.
- Downsides: Less contouring, may feel firm.
Key Considerations When Choosing an RV Mattress
When shopping for an RV mattress, consider:
- Size & Fit – Always measure your RV’s bed platform.
- Weight – A heavy mattress can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
- Sleeping Preferences – Side sleepers may prefer memory foam, while hot sleepers may need hybrids or innersprings.
- Durability – Since RVs are exposed to temperature swings, choose materials resistant to humidity and wear.
- Budget – RV mattresses range from $200 to $1,000+.
Visual Graph: Comfort Performance by Mattress Type
Tips for Measuring and Replacing an RV Mattress
- Measure length, width, and height of your RV bed platform.
- Allow for slide-outs, overhead cabinets, or wall fixtures.
- Consider mattress thickness: 6–10 inches works best for RVs.
- Use a flexible mattress if you need to fit it through narrow doors.
Conclusion
The right RV mattress depends on your RV’s available space, your sleep style, and your budget.
- RV Short Queen is the most common, fitting most motorhomes and travel trailers.
- RV King or California King works for luxury RVs with spacious bedrooms.
- RV Bunk or Twin are ideal for children or smaller rigs.
If you value comfort above all, opt for a hybrid RV mattress. For budget-conscious travelers, memory foam offers great value. And if you need airflow in hot climates, innerspring may be best.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a regular home mattress in my RV?
Not always. Standard sizes often don’t fit RV bed platforms, especially in smaller campers.
2. What is the most common RV mattress size?
The RV Short Queen (60” x 75”) is the most common size.
3. How thick should an RV mattress be?
Most RV mattresses range from 6 to 10 inches thick to fit compact spaces.
4. Can I cut a mattress to fit my RV?
Foam mattresses can be trimmed, but it’s best to order a custom RV mattress for long-term durability.
5. Do RV mattresses wear out faster than home mattresses?
Yes, due to exposure to temperature swings and humidity.
6. Are RV mattresses comfortable?
Modern RV mattresses can be just as comfortable as home beds if you choose the right type.
7. What’s the difference between a Short Queen and a regular Queen?
A Short Queen is 5 inches shorter (60” x 75” vs 60” x 80”).
8. Are there custom-size RV mattresses?
Yes, many companies offer custom sizes for unique RV bed frames.
9. Which type of mattress is best for hot climates?
Hybrid or innerspring mattresses provide better airflow and cooling.
10. How much does an RV mattress cost?
Prices range from $200 for budget foam models to $1,000+ for luxury hybrids.
