Owning an RV is popular for frequent travelers in the United States. Currently, over 11% of US households own an RV for recreational or living purposes. RVs are popular because they allow people to save money on traveling while providing all the comforts of home—almost all RVs are equipped with a kitchenette, a bathroom, and beds for sleeping.
The problem is, RVs come with a thin, bare-bones mattress in the bed. RV owners quickly realize that the standard-issue mattress isn’t built for comfort, leading them to search for a replacement, where they run into another issue: non-standard RV mattress sizes. Finding the right fit can be tricky, but we’ve compiled everything you know to find a comfortable mattress that works.
The Difficulties of an RV Mattress
The mattress that comes with an RV is most often made with the cheapest possible construction instead of being optimized for comfort, health, and, you know, sleep. Because no one wants to be exhausted from a terrible night’s sleep when they’re trying to drive across the country or enjoy a well-deserved vacation. Finding a better mattress for your RV is a must.
The tough part is that RV mattresses are often made differently from regular mattresses, making it tricky to outsource your own. RV mattresses are optimized to be lighter, shorter, and leaner than standard mattresses, and some are also made narrower than standard sizes or with corners cut out to fit a certain shape for RV bunk beds or hideaways.
Luckily, Tochta’s put together some of the most common sizing standards for your RV shopping. Here’s our list of common RV mattress sizes and measurements, and how to find the right-sized mattress for your camper, trailer, or RV!
Questions to Find the Right Size
Before diving into measurements for the various RV mattress sizes, it’s important to consider how you’ll use the mattress. Answering these questions can help you narrow down the perfect fit for your lifestyle on the road.
- Will pets or kids be sleeping with you? If you share your bed with furry friends or little ones, you’ll want to maximize your surface area. A wider mattress, like an RV King or a custom size, might be necessary to ensure everyone has enough room.
- Do you sprawl out or stay confined in your sleep? Your personal sleeping style plays a big role. If you tend to spread out, a wider mattress will provide more comfort. If you sleep in a more compact position, you might be able to get by with a narrower option, saving precious space.
- Is a customizable mattress important to you? Some couples have different firmness preferences. A customizable mattress allows each person to have their side tailored to their liking, which can be a game-changer for sleep quality, as well as peace in your relationship.
RV Twin Mattress Sizing
Twin RV mattress sizes most often come in two measurements:
- 28 inches by 75 inches (71.1 cm by 190.5 cm)
- 28 inches by 80 inches (71.1 cm by 203.2 cm)
Although these are the most common measurements, they’ll also frequently come in any measurement up to 39 inches by 80 inches (99.1 by 203.2 cm). Twin mattresses are often used for seating or as bunk mattresses in RVs, and they can be a good fit for compact models. You can easily fit one person or two small kids on this type of mattress.
RV Bunk Mattress Sizing
RV bunk bed mattresses are very close to twin mattresses in size. Bunk mattresses are generally the smaller of the two, although the size range overlaps. The main difference between the two is that bunk mattresses are often narrower and may have cut-out corners to accommodate bedposts.
Some common bunk mattress dimensions include:
- 28 inches by 75 inches (71.1 cm by 190.5 cm)
- 42 inches by 80 inches (106.7 cm by 203.2 cm)
And everything in between.
RV Full Mattress Sizing
A full-size RV mattress measures 54 by 75 inches (137.2 cm by 190.5 cm), an inch wider than the standard full-size mattress found at home (which measures 53 by 75 inches – 134.6 cm by 190.5 cm). Full mattresses are compact but can still comfortably sleep two people.
RV Queen Mattress Sizing
Like the RV twin mattress, the RV queen comes in several sizes, making it one of the most common but varied RV mattress sizes.
- A regular queen mattress measures 60 by 80 inches (152.4 cm by 203.2 cm).
- A three-quarter queen RV mattress has a measurement of 48 by 70 inches (121.9 cm by 177.8 cm).
- A short queen mattress measures 60 by 75 inches (152.4 cm by 190.5 cm).
Short queen RV mattresses are especially popular to use in converted vans due to the extra inches off the length giving you more space for a living area and storage. In such a confined space, five inches more of room can make a big difference!
Because of the different sizing standards, it’s always recommended that you measure the space where your mattress will go beforehand, even if your RV labels the space as a “short queen,” etc., since those standards may vary from brand to brand.
RV King Mattress Sizing
If you’re a tall person or simply want more space, an RV King mattress might be a good fit for you. Like the queen, it has different RV mattress sizes as options. These are the typical measurements:
- An RV King measures 72 by 80 inches (182.9 cm by 203.2 cm).
- An RV Short King measures 72 by 75 inches (182.9 cm by 190.5 cm).
- An Eastern King measures 76 by 80 inches (193 cm by 203.2 cm).
Finding the Right Size for Your RV Mattress
The best way to determine the correct RV mattress sizes for your RV is to measure the platform the mattress will sit on. Measure the inside of the frame or cutout, including any corner indentations. Based on those measurements, you may find a standard size that fits—but the best solution is often a custom mattress. (Hint: It doesn’t even have to cost more! All of Tochta’s quality mattresses are customizable in size and shape down to the inch, and they’re priced competitively with non-customizable mattresses of the same quality!)
The depth of your mattress generally won’t matter as much, but you’ll also want to measure the depth if the mattress needs to fold away or if it’s on a bunk with limited space between the bed and the ceiling of your vehicle.
How to Optimize Comfort in Your RV
Finding the right RV mattress sizes is only the first step. To create the ultimate sleep sanctuary on wheels, consider these additional tips:
- Prioritize seasonal luxury bedding. Your bedding can have a huge impact on your sleep quality. Use breathable, moisture-wicking materials like cotton or bamboo in the summer to stay cool. In the winter, opt for flannel sheets and a down comforter to stay warm and cozy.
- Enlist a humidifier or dehumidifier. RVs can get stuffy, and the air quality can fluctuate dramatically with the weather. A portable humidifier can add moisture to the air on dry nights, while a dehumidifier can remove excess moisture in humid climates, both of which help create a more comfortable sleeping environment.
- Invest in blackout curtains. Quality sleep often depends on darkness. Blackout curtains are a must-have for blocking out campground lights, early morning sun, and any other external light sources, helping you sleep more soundly.
Can’t Find Your Mattress Measurement?
If the standard RV mattress sizes listed above don’t fit your particular RV, you can order a tailor-made mattress for your RV (or camper, home, or truck!) to whatever size you want. Tochta’s mattress builder lets you customize your bed to fit every hinge and corner of your space, so you don’t have to worry about your brand-new, much-comfier mattress not fitting. Every Tochta mattress is made with “quick recovery” memory foam that provides premier comfort. Our scientific approach to mattress design means we’ve tried and tested every material and design possible to bring you the best RV mattress for unbeatable sleep!
The process is easy, and once your mattress arrives, you’ll be ready to start adventuring during the day and sleeping exceptionally well during the night! Customize your mattress now, with Tochta.
