Quick Answer: What is an RV Queen?
An RV Queen (or "Short Queen") is typically 60" wide x 75" long. A standard residential Queen is 60" x 80". That 5-inch difference is critical. If you put a standard Queen in your camper, it will likely hang over the platform or block the bedroom door from closing. Always measure your RV platform before buying.
Brad, Owner since 1987: "We have been helping Brantford families sleep better since 1987. Every customer gets personal attention, honest advice, and the kind of follow-up service you just do not get from big box stores."
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Brantford is a hub for RV enthusiasts. Whether you're heading to Pinehurst Lake or taking a long haul to Algonquin, your sleep matters. The number one complaint we hear from new RV owners? "The mattress is terrible."
Manufacturers often cut costs by including a thin, lightweight foam pad. At Mattress Miracle, we offer residential-quality mattresses cut to RV dimensions so you can sleep as well on the road as you do at home.
Short Queen vs. Regular Queen
Standard Queen: 60" x 80"
RV Short Queen: 60" x 75"
Why shorter? RV floor plans are engineered to the inch. The shorter mattress allows walking space around the foot of the bed.
The "Radius" Corner: Some Airstreams or teardrop trailers require curved corners. We can custom-order these shapes, but most standard travel trailers just need the Short Queen rectangle.
All RV Mattress Sizes You Need to Know
RV mattress sizes are not standardized the way residential sizes are. Manufacturers vary by a few inches depending on the floor plan. Here are the most common sizes you will encounter in Canadian travel trailers and motorhomes.
Common RV Mattress Dimensions
- RV Short Queen: 60" x 75" (most common in travel trailers)
- RV Queen: 60" x 80" (same as residential, found in larger motorhomes)
- RV Short King: 72" x 75" (found in wider fifth wheels)
- RV King: 72" x 80" (luxury motorhomes only)
- RV Three-Quarter: 48" x 75" (older trailers and truck campers)
- Bunk Size: 28" x 75" or 30" x 80" (varies widely, always measure)
Important: Always measure the platform, not the existing mattress. Stock mattresses are often undersized to save money.
Best Materials for RVs
Weight Matters: Every pound counts when towing.
1. High-Density Foam: The best choice. Lighter than coils but supportive. Unlike memory foam, it doesn't freeze hard in winter storage.
2. Pocket Coil: Comfortable, but heavy. Only choose this if your RV has a high payload capacity.
3. Memory Foam: Great for comfort, but temperature sensitive. It can get very firm if you camp in late fall.
The "Hinge" Option
Some RVs have a slide-out where the bed folds or bends. We can provide mattresses with a custom "hinge" (fabric connection) that allows the mattress to fold up when the slide is in, without damaging the foam.
Choosing the Right Thickness for Your RV
RV mattress thickness is a balancing act. Thicker feels better, but you need to account for overhead clearance, slide-out mechanisms, and total trailer weight.
6 inches: The minimum for adult comfort. If your RV bed has overhead cabinets or a low ceiling, this may be your only option. Pair it with a 2-inch topper if the platform allows.
8 inches: The sweet spot for most travel trailers. Provides residential-level comfort without adding too much height or weight. This is what we recommend for Short Queen platforms in standard travel trailers like Jayco, Coachmen, and Forest River models.
10 inches: Luxury feel, but only suitable for motorhomes or fifth wheels with high ceilings. At this thickness, a foam mattress weighs roughly 55 to 65 pounds, which is still manageable for GVWR limits but noticeably heavier to move.
Check Your Clearance First
Before ordering a thicker mattress, sit up in bed with the existing mattress. If your head is already close to the ceiling or overhead cabinets, adding 2 to 4 inches of height will make it uncomfortable. Measure from the platform surface to the lowest overhead obstruction and subtract 24 inches (the minimum comfortable sitting height). That number is your maximum mattress thickness.
Fixing the "Board" Feel
If you aren't ready to buy a new mattress, a Short Queen topper is a quick fix.
- RV Short Queen Topper: Yes, we sell toppers cut to 75" length so you don't have to trim them yourself with a bread knife.
- Froli System: A plastic spring system that goes under the mattress. It adds suspension and airflow to a plywood platform.
Condensation & Mold
RVs are prone to condensation. When you sleep, your body heat meets the cold plywood platform, creating moisture under the mattress.
The Fix: Lift your mattress every morning to let it air out. Or, install a "Hypervent" mesh underlay (available at marine shops) to create an air gap. Never leave bedding on the mattress in winter storage.
Seasonal Care for Ontario RV Owners
Ontario camping season runs roughly from Victoria Day in May through Thanksgiving in October. That means your RV mattress spends 6 to 7 months in storage, which creates problems if you do not prepare it properly.
Spring setup: Before your first trip, open all windows and air out the RV for a full day. Remove the mattress from its platform, stand it on its side, and let both surfaces breathe. Check for any signs of mildew or musty smell. If you detect either, the mattress needs a deep clean with a mild vinegar solution before you sleep on it.
During the season: Prop the mattress up every morning while you make coffee. Even 30 minutes of airflow prevents moisture buildup on the platform. If you camp near water, like along the Grand River or at Long Point Provincial Park, humidity is higher. A moisture-wicking mattress protector is worth the investment.
Winter storage: Remove the mattress entirely if you have space at home. If that is not practical, stand it on its side inside the RV with the platform exposed. Place moisture absorbers (like DampRid) near the sleeping area. Do not leave fitted sheets or mattress protectors on during storage as they trap moisture against the foam.
Shop: Queen Mattresses at Mattress Miracle
Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1987. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a regular Queen in my RV?
Measure the platform length. If it's 80 inches, yes. If it's 75 inches (standard), a regular Queen will overhang by 5 inches, which might block cabinets or the bathroom door.
Do I need special sheets?
Standard Queen fitted sheets will be loose on a Short Queen. We sell "Short Queen" sheet sets designed to fit snugly without bunching.
How do I get a new mattress inside?
Foam RV mattresses come compressed in a box. You carry the box through the narrow camper door, place it on the bed, and cut the plastic. It expands in place. Easy!
What is an "RV King"?
Usually 72" x 80" (narrower than a standard 76" King). Always measure before buying!
How long does an RV mattress last?
A quality high-density foam RV mattress lasts 7 to 10 years with proper care. Stock mattresses that come with the trailer are typically low-density foam and may sag or lose support within 2 to 3 years. Rotating your mattress seasonally and keeping it dry during storage extends its lifespan significantly.
Get Road-Ready in Brantford
Don't suffer through another camping trip with a backache. Visit Mattress Miracle at 441 1/2 West Street. We have Short Queen models on the floor to test.
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
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
Our team has 38 years of experience helping customers find the right sleep solution. Call ahead or walk in any day of the week.
Sources
- Radwan A, Fess P, James D, et al. Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment in adults with or without back pain. Sleep Health. 2015;1(4):257-267. DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2015.08.001
- Verhaert V, Haex B, De Wilde T, et al. Ergonomics in bed design: the effect of spinal alignment on sleep parameters. Ergonomics. 2011;54(2):169-178. DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2010.538725
- Okamoto-Mizuno K, Mizuno K. Effects of thermal environment on sleep and circadian rhythm. J Physiol Anthropol. 2012;31(1):14. DOI: 10.1186/1880-6805-31-14
- Cary D, Briffa K, McKenna L. Identifying relationships between sleep posture and non-specific spinal symptoms in adults: A scoping review. BMJ Open. 2019;9(6):e027633. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027633