Whether you’re permanently or temporarily moving in your RV, there’s a certain kind of joy and thrill to just set out on the road. These feelings, however, can be dampened by nightfall.
Sleep is very important. And while the fact that most RVs come with their own mattresses should save you the trouble of figuring out sleeping arrangements, that’s not the case, is it?
The typical RV mattress is thin and hard, making it uncomfortable to sleep on. So, a bit of mattress shopping may be necessary. The market is abundant, and you get many options to choose from.
“Can you put a regular queen mattress in an RV?” is one question that might cross your mind. The short answer is you can’t. In this article, we’ll look at what makes regular mattresses and RV mattresses so different that you can’t just use them interchangeably.
Can You Use a Standard Queen Mattress in an RV?
The general consensus among campers and RV owners is that you can’t put a regular queen mattress in an RV. This boils down to the differences in the design of regular mattresses and mattresses designed specifically for RVs.
Taking the limited space inside an RV and other factors into consideration, RV mattress manufacturers develop mattresses that are smaller in dimensions, lighter, more flexible, and more weather-resistant than regular mattresses.
Size
A regular queen-size mattress measures about 80 inches in length, 60 inches in width, and 11 inches in height. It’s large enough for two adults to sleep comfortably. The issue is that these dimensions, especially the length, may not be ideal for most RVs.
Without straying too far from a queen-size mattress, an RV-friendly size mattress is the short-queen. The dimension of this mattress is about the same as a queen-size mattress, except for the length, which is roughly 74-75 inches.
This difference in the length size between a standard queen mattress and an RV short-queen mattress may not seem significant. Still, these five inches can significantly impact the space inside your RV.
Weight
When driving an RV, every ounce counts. If the RV is loaded up and heavy, you might find the driving experience quite strenuous. You may find yourself unable to gain speed and wasting fuel unnecessarily.
That’s why weight is another key reason why a regular queen-size mattress isn’t ideal for an RV. Regular mattresses are one way you can overload your RV because they’re known to be quite heavy. What’s more, you’re going to have to carry and set up that heavy mattress.
On average, a regular queen-size mattress can weigh anywhere from 120 to 160 pounds. Conversely, an RV queen-size mattress weighs about 50 to 75 pounds.
This huge gap in weight has a huge effect on the RV. The lighter mattress can make your driving experience easier and more enjoyable. It’ll also promote less fuel consumption.
Moreover, the weight of a regular queen-size mattress puts strain on the frame, axles, and tires. As a result, these components may wear out faster than usual.
Thickness
The design of regular mattresses, in general, includes many springs as well as extra cushioning. All of these contribute to the thickness of the mattress.
While this may be a welcome feature in the bedroom, it is the opposite in RVs. You don’t want to get up or get out of bed with barely any room between your head and the ceiling. As a result, the thinner the mattress, the better.
Regular queen-size mattresses can measure from eight inches up to 18 inches. This could be quite high inside your RV. On the other hand, most RV mattresses will be somewhere between four to six inches.
Shape
RVs that come equipped with bed frames can look quite different from the bed frames we have at our homes. These frames are designed to fit a certain space, so the mattress measurements may not fit any standard mattress measurements.
Putting a regular queen-size mattress in a space that doesn’t fit it right can end up deforming it and making it sag. You’re better off finding an RV mattress that fits perfectly in your space so that it stays in prime condition for as long as possible.
Durability
Whether you’ve spent some time in an RV or not, you should be aware of the weather fluctuations that you may face on your trip. Regular mattresses aren’t designed to tolerate much of the weather.
Another cause of regular mattress deterioration is the constant bouncing inside the RV. As you drive, you may pass different kinds of roads. Regular mattresses can be quite delicate so they can’t handle much movement and may end up sagging or ripping.
What Is the Best Size Mattress for RVs?
When looking for a mattress for your RV, the first thing you should look for are mattresses that are made exclusively for RVs. Next, as you delve into the world of RV mattresses, you should consider a number of factors, including:
- Your budget
- RV bed shape
- Mattress Size
- Weight
- Thickness
- Durability
Most RV mattresses are less expensive than regular mattresses because of their smaller dimensions. The price-point of a standard mattress with similar qualities might start at about double or triple.
Still, before deciding which RV mattress size to get, you should decide where you’ll be placing the mattress.
Your RV may come equipped with a bed frame or you may designate a specific space for the mattress. In either case, the size of the RV mattress depends on the dimensions of that space. That’s why you should take the time to measure every inch of that space.
Once you have your measurements, you can choose the size of your RV mattress. Just make sure that it’s lightweight, not too thick, and durable. Here’s an RV mattress to consider:
In Conclusion
Having the right mattress in your RV is a game-changer. You’ll be able to get an adequate amount of comfortable sleep. For that reason, you might think that getting a mattress like the one you have at home will guarantee a comfortable sleep.
Even though your regular queen-size mattress can fit inside your RV, it probably isn’t your best option. The bigger, heavier, and thicker regular queen-size mattress can negatively impact your trip.
From fuel consumption to limited space inside your RV, a regular queen-size mattress isn’t quite accommodating.