Quick Answer: Most RVs and motorhomes use a short queen mattress (60" x 75"), which is 5 inches shorter than a standard queen. Standard home mattresses rarely fit without modification. Foam mattresses work best in RVs because they handle moisture, temperature swings, and weight limits better than coil mattresses. Measure your RV bed platform before buying.
In This Guide
Reading time: 10 minutes
The mattress that comes with most recreational vehicles is an afterthought. RV manufacturers spend their budget on the chassis, the appliances, and the cabinetry. The mattress is whatever fills the sleeping platform at the lowest cost per unit. For a $60,000 travel trailer, the factory mattress typically costs the manufacturer $40-80.
You feel that immediately. After two or three nights at the campground, you are sleeping poorly, waking up stiff, and wondering if the RV was a mistake. It was not. The mattress was the mistake, and it is the easiest thing to fix.
RV Mattress Sizes: Every Measurement You Need
RV mattresses do not follow standard home mattress dimensions. Recreational vehicle manufacturers design sleeping platforms around the available floor space after the bathroom, kitchen, and slide-outs are accounted for. The result is a set of sizes that exist nowhere else.
| RV Size Name | Dimensions (inches) | Dimensions (cm) | Found In |
|---|---|---|---|
| RV Bunk | 28" x 75" | 71 x 191 cm | Bunkhouse travel trailers |
| RV Twin | 34" x 75" | 86 x 191 cm | Pop-ups, small trailers |
| Three-Quarter (3/4) | 48" x 75" | 122 x 191 cm | Older trailers, truck campers |
| RV Short Queen | 60" x 75" | 152 x 191 cm | Most travel trailers, fifth wheels |
| RV Queen | 60" x 80" | 152 x 203 cm | Larger motorhomes, Class A |
| RV King (Narrow) | 72" x 80" | 183 x 203 cm | Large Class A, luxury fifth wheels |
The RV short queen (60" x 75") is by far the most common. If you own a travel trailer or fifth wheel built in the last 15 years, this is probably your size. It is the same width as a standard queen but 5 inches shorter, which matters if either sleeper is over 6 feet tall.
The 5-Inch Problem
A standard queen mattress is 80 inches long. An RV short queen is 75 inches. That 5-inch difference (12.7 cm) does not sound like much, but for a 6-foot sleeper (72 inches), it leaves only 3 inches of clearance from head to foot instead of 8 inches. Your feet hang off the edge, your pillow pushes against the wall, and you instinctively curl up to fit. Over a week of camping, that position takes a toll on your hips and lower back.
Why RV Mattresses Are Different from Home Mattresses
You cannot simply cut a home mattress to fit an RV platform. Even if the size were right, home mattresses are designed for climate-controlled bedrooms with stable temperatures and consistent ventilation. An RV is none of those things.
Temperature Swings
A parked RV in southern Ontario can go from 5°C overnight to 35°C by mid-afternoon in June. That 30-degree swing in 12 hours affects mattress materials. Traditional innerspring mattresses with thick foam comfort layers expand and contract with temperature changes, which accelerates wear. Memory foam becomes rock-hard in cold temperatures (below 15°C it loses most of its conforming ability) and extremely soft in heat.
Moisture and Condensation
RVs are small, enclosed spaces. When you sleep, your body releases roughly 200-500 ml of moisture per night through breath and perspiration. In a house, that moisture disperses through the room. In an RV, it condenses on cold surfaces, including the underside of your mattress where it sits on a solid plywood platform.
This is why mould is the number one killer of RV mattresses. Without airflow underneath, moisture gets trapped between the mattress base and the platform. A ventilated base (even a simple layer of breathable mesh or a slatted insert) prevents this entirely. If your RV has a solid plywood sleeping platform, consider adding a moisture barrier or ventilation layer before putting any new mattress on it.
Weight Limits
Every pound in your RV counts against your Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC). A standard queen innerspring mattress weighs 60-80 lbs (27-36 kg). A foam mattress of the same size weighs 30-50 lbs (14-23 kg). That 30-40 lb difference is meaningful when you are already close to your weight limit with water, propane, food, and gear.
Best Mattress Types for RVs and Motorhomes
Foam Mattresses (Best Overall for RVs)
Foam mattresses are the most practical choice for recreational vehicles. They are lighter, they handle temperature swings better than innerspring (no metal components to conduct cold), and they can be custom cut to non-standard dimensions.
The 5" Foam Mattress - RV and Bunk Bed Specialist ($80 twin, $160 queen) is purpose-built for this. At 5 inches thick, it keeps the sleeping surface low enough for most RV bed platforms while providing genuine support. It is light enough that one person can carry it, and the foam construction means no squeaking when you shift positions at 2 a.m. in a campground.
For more comfort, the 6" Premium BioFoam Mattress ($100 twin, $220 queen) adds an extra inch of support with BioFoam, a plant-based foam that responds better to temperature changes than traditional polyurethane. Available in firm or soft, so you can match your preference.
RV Mattress Thickness Guide
- 4-5 inches: Best for bunk beds, pop-ups, and platforms with limited headroom. The minimum for adult comfort is 4 inches of quality foam.
- 6-8 inches: The sweet spot for most RV master beds. Enough support for nightly use without raising the sleeping surface too high.
- 8-10 inches: Only for platforms with generous headroom and full-time RV living. The 8" Ruby BioFoam ($300 twin, $400 queen) works for RVers who live in their motorhome year-round.
- 10+ inches: Generally too thick for most RVs. The mattress top sits too close to the ceiling and adds unnecessary weight.
Latex Mattresses
Natural latex handles temperature extremes better than any other mattress material. It does not harden in cold weather the way memory foam does, and it naturally resists mould and dust mites. The downside is weight, latex is denser than polyurethane foam, and cost, a latex RV mattress typically runs $500-$1,200 for a short queen. For full-time RVers, the investment can be worth it. For seasonal campers doing 2-3 weeks per year, foam is the better value.
What About Innerspring?
Traditional coil mattresses can work in larger motorhomes (Class A and Class C) that have residential-size bed platforms and better ventilation. For travel trailers and fifth wheels, the weight, height, and moisture sensitivity of innerspring mattresses make them a poor fit. The coils can also squeak more on a moving platform, which matters if you are sleeping while your partner drives on a long haul.
How to Measure Your RV Bed Platform
Step 1: Remove the Existing Mattress
Take the old mattress out completely. Do not measure on top of it. RV mattresses compress and deform over time, so the old mattress dimensions may not match the platform underneath.
Step 2: Measure the Platform at Multiple Points
Measure width and length at three points each: front, middle, and back for width; left side, centre, and right side for length. RV platforms are not always perfectly rectangular. Some have curved corners, angled edges, or notches for wheel wells. The longest and widest measurements are your starting dimensions.
Step 3: Measure the Available Height
From the platform surface to the ceiling (or overhead cabinet), measure how much vertical space you have. Subtract at least 25 cm (10 inches) for your body sitting up in bed. This tells you your maximum mattress thickness.
Step 4: Note Any Obstructions
Check for heating vents, electrical outlets, slide-out mechanisms, or storage compartment lids that might interfere with a new mattress. Take photos and note their positions relative to the platform edges. These determine whether you need a custom cut or a corner notch.
Step 5: Call with Your Measurements
Bring your measurements (or photos) to us. We can order foam mattresses in non-standard sizes and do custom cuts for odd-shaped platforms. Call Brad at (519) 770-0001 with your dimensions and we will tell you what fits and what it costs.
Weight, Temperature, and Moisture Considerations
Keep It Light
Your RV has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and a Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC). Everything you add, water, propane, food, clothing, gear, and mattress, counts against the CCC. Most travel trailers have a CCC of 680-1,360 kg (1,500-3,000 lbs). Swapping a 36 kg innerspring for a 16 kg foam mattress frees up 20 kg for other gear.
Spring RV Season in Ontario
Ontario camping season kicks off in May, and we see a rush of RV mattress orders starting in March as people get their trailers ready. If you are winterizing your RV near Brantford, Paris, or Hamilton, stop by the showroom at 441 1/2 West Street. We keep RV-compatible foam mattresses in stock so you can take one home the same day instead of waiting for shipping during the spring rush.
Dealing with Cold Nights
Canadian camping means cold nights, even in summer. Northern Ontario, Algonquin Park, and Georgian Bay regularly drop below 10°C overnight from September onward. Standard memory foam becomes rigid below 15°C. A BioFoam or polyurethane foam mattress maintains consistent firmness across a wider temperature range. If you camp in shoulder season (April-May, September-October), avoid pure memory foam for your RV.
Moisture Management
Use a waterproof mattress protector on every RV mattress. It protects against condensation from below and perspiration from above. If your platform is solid plywood, add a ventilation layer (mesh pad or breathable spacer) between the platform and mattress. Open a window or roof vent a crack whenever the RV is occupied to reduce interior humidity. These three steps prevent the mould problem that destroys most RV mattresses within 2-3 seasons.
When to Replace Your RV Mattress
Factory RV mattresses typically last 2-3 seasons of regular use before they need replacing. Quality aftermarket foam mattresses last 5-7 seasons with proper care. Signs it is time:
- Visible body impression that does not bounce back after a few hours
- Waking up stiff or sore when you sleep fine at home
- Musty smell that persists after airing out, this usually means mould inside the foam
- Lumps or uneven surface from foam breakdown
- Thickness loss: if your 6-inch mattress measures 4.5 inches, the foam has compressed beyond recovery
Replacing an RV mattress is a fraction of the cost of the RV itself. The 5" RV Specialist starts at $80. A good night's sleep at the campground is worth more than that.
Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1997. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
What size mattress fits most RVs and motorhomes?
The RV short queen (60" x 75") fits the majority of travel trailers and fifth wheels built in the last 15 years. It is the same width as a standard queen but 5 inches shorter. Class A motorhomes often use a full-size standard queen (60" x 80"). Always measure your platform before ordering.
Can I put a regular mattress in my RV?
Only if your RV bed platform matches a standard home mattress size, which is rare. Regular mattresses are also heavier (60-80 lbs vs 30-50 lbs for RV foam), which reduces your cargo carrying capacity. They are built for climate-controlled rooms and handle the temperature swings and moisture of an RV poorly.
How thick should an RV mattress be?
Six inches is the sweet spot for most RV master beds. It provides enough support for nightly comfort without raising the sleeping surface too high. For bunk beds and pop-ups with limited headroom, 4-5 inches works. For full-time RV living, 8 inches offers home-quality comfort if you have the clearance.
Do you ship RV mattresses across Canada?
Yes. Our mattress-in-a-box collection ships free across Canada with shipping included in the price. Foam mattresses compress for shipping and expand to full size within 24-48 hours. For custom RV sizes, call (519) 770-0001 to discuss your dimensions and delivery options.
How do I prevent mould in my RV mattress?
Use a waterproof mattress protector, add a ventilation layer between the mattress and the plywood platform, and crack a window or roof vent when sleeping. These three steps prevent the condensation buildup that causes mould. Store the RV with the mattress stood on edge to promote airflow during the off-season.
Our RV Pick: Borealis Gel Mattress
The Borealis Gel Mattress is now available in RV Short Queen (60×74) at $645 with free Canada-wide shipping. It is a 9-inch euro top gel foam mattress that ships compressed in a box with a free sleep bundle (sheets, bamboo mattress protector, pillow protectors, and pillows). For RV owners who want a complete sleep setup delivered in one box, it is hard to beat the total value.
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
Getting your RV ready for camping season? Bring your platform measurements and we will match you with the right foam mattress. We stock RV-compatible sizes and can order custom cuts for odd-shaped platforms. No appointment needed.
Related Reading
- Mattress in a Box Canada: Is It Worth It?
- Complete Mattress Size Guide Canada
- Foam Science and Cooling Technology Explained
- Shop Foam Mattresses
- Shop Mattress Protectors
- Hideabed Mattress Replacement: Sizes, Thickness Limits, and the Best Mattress Types for Pull-Out Frames
- Waterbed Mattresses Canada: Types, Costs, and Modern Alternatives