Replacing your RV Mattress

Replacing your RV Mattress might be at the top of your list. It’s no secret that RV stock mattresses are far from the best. In fact, the mattress is the very first thing many RVers replace or at least modify, and once you lay down on one you’ll understand why.

The stock mattresses are thin, hard, lumpy, and anything but supportive. Luckily, changing your RV mattress to suit your needs is totally possible. Not only is it possible, but we recommend it 100%.

Wondering how to go about replacing or improving a mattress in your motorhome or travel trailer? This guide will help you every step of the way.

Options for Improving Your RV Mattress

The most obvious thing to do when you discover your RV mattress is terrible is to replace it entirely. This is definitely an option at your disposal, and in many cases it’s the best one. A brand-new mattress will provide excellent comfort and support.

That said, an entire mattress is quite expensive. If you just purchased a new rig, or if you only use your RV once in a while, it might seem silly to spend hundreds of dollars on a new mattress. However, that doesn’t mean you want to spend every camping night tossing and turning. This is where a mattress topper steps in.

Mattress toppers are not quite as comfortable as a replacement mattress might be. However, a good quality topper can be nearly as comfortable for a fraction of the price! Additionally, a topper is much easier to get into the RV initially and won’t add as much weight to your rig, something most RVers do need to consider.

Related Read: Upgrading Your RV Mattress

Finding the Right Size Mattress

No matter which mattress improvement option you choose, you will need to find the right size to fit your RV bed. Unfortunately, RV beds come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and most are not standard bed sizes.

The most popular RV bed size is called “short queen”. Short queen mattresses measure 60” x 75” and can usually be found in the master bedroom of motorhomes and travel trailers alike.

Of course, this is far from the only mattress size you’ll find in an RV. Other sizes include:

• Three-Quarter Size: 48" x 75"

• RV Full: 53" x 75"

• Short Queen: 60" x 75" (most common short queen size)

• Short Queen: 60" x 74"

• RV Queen: 60" x 80"

• Olympic Queen: 66" x 80"

• RV King: 72" x 75"

• RV King: 72" x 80"

• Cal King: 72" x 84"

• Eastern King: 76" x 80”

• RV Bunk: 28" x 75"

• RV Bunk: 30" x 75"

• RV Bunk: 30" x 80"

• RV Bunk: 34" x 75"

• RV Bunk: 35" x 79"

• RV Bunk: 42" x 80"

• RV Twin: 38" x 75"

• RV Twin: 38" x 80”

In order to determine the exact size of your RV mattress, you will need to do a bit of measuring. Match your measurements to the measurements on this list and then begin your search for the mattress type you need.

In some cases you may find that your measurements don’t match the ones on this list. Other times, the issue may be that you cannot find mattresses matching the name listed next to your measurements. In these cases, your best bet is to cut a mattress or a topper to size, or even order a custom-made mattress.

Foam mattresses are the easiest to cut down. Most people use an electric bread knife for the job, and find that it cuts quite easily. If you wish to cut a spring mattress, you may need an actual saw, and you will want to be very careful not to injure yourself while cutting near springs. Additionally, you will need some sewing skills in order to sew the side of the mattress back up after cutting it down.

One major benefit to cutting a mattress to size is the fact that you might be able to get away with using one mattress for two beds, especially if you’re putting new mattresses in your bunk room.

When it comes to ordering custom mattresses, we highly recommend ordering from Wilderness RV Mattress for great quality and excellent service.

Where to Shop for RV Mattresses

Depending on the dimensions of your mattress, you may be able to shop for a topper or replacement mattress on Amazon. However, those looking for oddball sizes may need to search RV-specific stores such as Camping World or—as mentioned before—order a custom-made mattress from Wilderness RV Mattress.

Things to Consider when Shopping for a Mattress

Wondering what to look for in an RV mattress besides the correct size? Well, a lot depends on preference. For instance, do you prefer your bed to be firm or soft? Do you want a foam mattress, a latex mattress, something with springs, or some combo of these things?

In addition to your preferences, you will also want to consider the overall height of any mattress or topper you buy, ensuring you won’t be hitting your head on the cabinets or ceiling above. The weight of any given mattress must also be taken into consideration, and the flammability and mold resistance may also need to be thought about.

Finally, we recommend looking for cool mattresses if you decide to go with foam. Campers are notorious for being hot in the summer, and a mattress that doesn’t trap heat is essential.

Protecting Your New RV Mattress

Once you invest in a new mattress or topper, you will want to make sure you take good care of it.

The first step to doing this is to put the mattress in a waterproof, protective plastic cover. This will keep any moisture that happens to enter the RV off of your mattress, and will also help prevent bed bugs and other pests from making themselves at home in your bed. Add a mattress pad on top of this plastic cover and you’ll never even know it’s there.

Another thing you can do to protect your investment is place a mattress underlay beneath your mattress in order to allow airflow and prevent mold and mildew. Believe it or not, an underlay won’t change how comfortable your bed is, but it will definitely help it last a lot longer.