Quick Answer: RV bunkhouse mattresses are not standard residential sizes. Common widths are 28" to 38" and lengths are 74" to 80". Most replacements require measuring carefully and ordering a custom-cut foam mattress. For upper bunks, keep thickness to 4 to 6 inches maximum to preserve headroom. High-density foam is the best material for lightweight, moisture-resistant RV bunk use.
In This Guide
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Bunkhouse RVs and travel trailers are popular with Canadian families because they give children their own dedicated sleeping area. The back section of the trailer often holds two or three bunk beds stacked or arranged in a slide-out configuration, giving kids a sense of their own space while camping.
The challenge comes when those original factory mattresses wear out. They are almost never a standard residential size, and most furniture retailers do not stock them. This guide explains the sizing situation, what to look for in a replacement, and where to source them in Canada.
What Is a Bunkhouse RV?
A bunkhouse RV or travel trailer has a dedicated sleeping section, usually at the rear, designed with stacked or side-by-side bunks for children or additional adults. Common configurations include:
- Two stacked bunks (upper and lower)
- Three-tier bunks in larger trailers
- U-shaped or L-shaped bunk arrangements in wider trailers
- Bunk over garage (BOG) layouts in some fifth wheels
Popular Canadian brands for bunkhouse trailers include Jayco, Forest River, Coachmen, and Keystone, among others. Each manufacturer uses slightly different bunk dimensions, which is why measuring before ordering is essential.
Common RV Bunk Mattress Sizes
Unlike residential beds, RV bunk dimensions are not fully standardised across the industry. The following table covers the most commonly seen bunk sizes in Canadian market RVs, but yours may vary.
| Common Width | Common Length | Closest Residential Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28" | 74" to 76" | Narrower than Cot / smaller than Twin | Common in compact trailers, tight clearance bunks |
| 30" | 74" to 80" | None (custom size) | Found in many mid-range bunkhouse trailers |
| 32" | 74" to 80" | None (custom size) | Common in family trailers |
| 34" | 74" to 80" | None (custom size) | Slightly wider; more comfortable for larger children |
| 38" | 74" to 80" | Close to standard Twin (38"x75") | Check length; may accept standard twin in some models |
| 42" | 74" to 80" | None (between Twin and Full) | Found in larger bunkhouse sections |
The most important takeaway from this table: do not assume any size. Measure every bunk individually. In a three-bunk setup, all three may be different dimensions.
How to Measure Before You Order
Measuring correctly prevents the frustrating experience of receiving a mattress that does not fit. Here is the right way to do it:
- Remove the existing mattress first if possible. Factory mattresses are often compressed over time and may not accurately represent the original specifications.
- Measure the inside of the bunk frame, not the mattress. Measure width and length from inside lip to inside lip.
- Measure the interior width of the bunkhouse doorway. A mattress that fits in the bunk may not fit through the door. Foam mattresses can be rolled or compressed slightly to get through tight doorways; innerspring mattresses cannot.
- Measure headroom on upper bunks. Measure from the sleeping surface to the bottom of the upper structure. Your mattress thickness plus a sitting-up clearance of 20 to 24 inches is the practical target.
- Check for corner cutouts or slide-out lips. Some bunks have recessed corners or rails that affect mattress dimensions. Note these and communicate them to your supplier.
Tip: Make a Template
Cut a piece of cardboard to the exact bunk dimensions and try fitting it through the doorway and into the bunk space before ordering. This confirms your measurements and catches doorway clearance issues before the mattress arrives.
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Best Materials for RV Bunk Mattresses
High-Density Foam (Best Overall for RV Bunks)
High-density foam (2.0 lbs per cubic foot or above) is the most practical choice for RV bunks. It is:
- Lightweight, which matters in an RV where total vehicle weight affects fuel economy and handling
- Available in custom-cut dimensions
- Resistant to moisture damage (important in the humidity of a camping environment)
- Relatively affordable
- Rollable or compressible to fit through tight doors
Look for foam with a density of at least 1.8 lbs per cubic foot for a bunk that will be used more than a few times per season. Cheap low-density foam (1.2 to 1.5 lb) collapses quickly and becomes uncomfortable within a season or two.
Memory Foam
Memory foam adds pressure relief and contouring over standard polyfoam. Good for adults or older children who sleep in bunk positions for longer periods. The trade-off is that memory foam retains heat more than standard foam, which can be uncomfortable in a warm trailer. Gel-infused memory foam reduces this somewhat.
Innerspring
Not recommended for RV bunks. Innerspring mattresses are heavy, cannot be rolled to fit through tight doors, are not available in custom cut sizes, and do not handle the humidity and temperature swings of an RV environment as well as foam alternatives.
Latex
Latex is durable, temperature-neutral, and offers good support. The downside for RV use is weight (latex is significantly heavier than foam) and cost. For full-time or very frequent RV use where long-term durability matters, latex is worth considering. For seasonal use, the cost premium is hard to justify.
Choosing the Right Thickness
Thickness affects comfort, headroom on upper bunks, and weight. General guidelines:
| Bunk Type | Recommended Thickness | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Upper bunk (limited clearance) | 4" to 5" | Maximises headroom for the sleeper on the upper bunk |
| Upper bunk (higher clearance) | 5" to 6" | Slightly more comfort where room allows |
| Lower bunk or slide-out bunk | 6" to 8" | More headroom available; closer to residential feel |
| Ground-level bunk or dinette conversion | 6" to 8" | No headroom constraint; prioritise comfort |
On children's sleep in RVs: The Canadian Sleep Society recommends 9 to 12 hours of sleep per night for school-age children (6 to 12 years) and 8 to 10 hours for teenagers. A comfortable, appropriately supported bunk mattress contributes to better sleep on camping trips and reduces cranky mornings, which any parent of young campers will appreciate.
Source: Canadian Sleep Society. Paediatric Sleep Recommendations. canadiansleepsociety.ca
Where to Buy RV Bunk Mattress Replacements in Canada
Custom Foam Fabricators
The most reliable source for non-standard RV bunk sizes in Canada is a foam fabricator that cuts to your exact dimensions. Many operate online and ship across Canada. Provide your exact measurements (including any corner cuts) and they will cut a piece of high-density foam to fit. Prices typically range from $80 to $250 depending on size, thickness, and foam grade.
Specialty RV Mattress Retailers
Some Canadian and US-based online retailers specialise in RV mattresses and offer a range of standard RV sizes without the custom-cut process. If your bunk happens to match a common size (such as 30" x 80" or 34" x 75"), these are a faster option.
Local Mattress Stores for Standard-Adjacent Sizes
If your bunk is close to a standard twin size (38" x 75"), a local store may have stock that works. At Mattress Miracle in Brantford, we carry standard residential sizes. If your bunk measurement falls within a few inches of a Twin, it is worth calling Brad at (519) 770-0001 to discuss whether a standard size with some trimming might work, or to get a referral to a local foam supplier.
We see plenty of families from Brantford, Paris, and the surrounding area who are equipping trailers and RVs for the camping season. While we do not cut custom foam at our showroom, we carry the Sleep In and Restonic twin mattresses that sometimes work for larger RV bunk configurations, and we can point you toward local foam suppliers for truly custom cuts. Give us a call before you order online and we can help you figure out the right path.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Call 519-770-0001What size are RV bunk mattresses?
RV bunk mattresses vary by manufacturer and model. The most common widths are 28, 30, 32, 34, and 38 inches. Common lengths are 74 to 80 inches. Unlike residential mattresses, RV bunk sizes are not standardised, so measuring your existing bunk before ordering a replacement is essential. Many RVs require custom-cut mattresses.
How thick should an RV bunk mattress be?
For upper RV bunks with limited clearance, 4 to 6 inches of thickness is typically the maximum practical option. Thicker mattresses reduce headroom for whoever sleeps on the upper bunk and can make getting in and out difficult for children. For lower bunks or slide-out bunks with more clearance, 6 to 8 inches is reasonable.
What is the best material for RV bunk mattresses?
High-density foam is the most practical material for RV bunk mattresses. It is lightweight, available in custom cut sizes, does not retain moisture, and holds its shape reasonably well for the intermittent use typical of RV camping. Innerspring options are heavier and harder to source in custom sizes. Latex is durable but expensive and heavy.
Can I use a regular twin mattress in an RV bunk?
A standard twin mattress (38" x 75") may fit some RV bunk frames, but many bunkhouse models use narrower bunks that do not match standard twin dimensions. Always measure the bunk frame carefully, including any frame lips or recesses that affect the usable interior dimension. A mattress even an inch too wide may not fit through the bunkhouse doorway.
Where can I buy a custom RV bunk mattress in Canada?
Custom foam mattress cutters are available across Canada through specialty online retailers and some local foam suppliers. For a fully custom bunk dimension, a foam fabricator who cuts to your measurements is typically the most reliable Canadian option. For standard-adjacent sizes, local mattress retailers may have stock that works with minor adjustments.
Our RV Pick: The Borealis Gel Mattress is available in RV Short Queen (60×74) at $645 with free Canada-wide shipping. A 9-inch euro top gel foam mattress that ships compressed in a box.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle , 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON · (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm.