What Size Is An Rv King Mattress

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If you’re shopping for a new RV bed, you’re probably asking, what size is an RV king mattress? It’s a common question, but the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might hope. Unlike the standard sizes in a sticks-and-bricks home, RV mattresses have their own unique dimensions that can vary quite a bit.

This guide will clear up all the confusion. We’ll cover the exact measurements you can expect, the different types of RV kings, and how to choose the right one for your rig. Let’s get started.

What Size Is An RV King Mattress

The most important thing to know is there are two main types of “king” mattresses in the RV world: the RV King (or Short King) and the Residential King. They are not the same size, and buying the wrong one can lead to a very frustrating return process.

RV King / Short King Dimensions

This is the most common king size found in motorhomes and fifth wheels. It’s designed to fit in the specific bedroom slide-outs and floorplans of recreational vehicles.

  • Typical Dimensions: 72 inches wide x 75 inches long (6 feet wide by 6 feet 3 inches long).
  • How it Compares: It’s the same width as a standard Residential King (76″ x 80″), but it is 5 inches shorter in length.
  • Best For: Most factory-built RVs with a king bed option. Always measure your space, but this is the default “RV King” size.

Residential King Dimensions

Some newer or high-end RV models are now using full residential furniture. This means they can accommodate a true, standard king mattress.

  • Typical Dimensions: 76 inches wide x 80 inches long (6 feet 4 inches wide by 6 feet 8 inches long).
  • How it Compares: Significantly longer and a bit wider than an RV King. It’s the same bed you’d find in a regular house.
  • Best For: RVs advertised with “residential” furniture. Never assume; always verify your model’s specs.

Why RV Mattresses Are Different

RV manufacturers use shorter mattresses for a few key reasons. Space is the biggest premium in an RV. Shaving a few inches off the length allows for more walkway space at the foot of the bed or room for cabinetry. It also helps ensure the bed fits within the dimensions of a slide-out room when retracted.

How to Measure Your RV Bed Space

Before you buy anything, you need to know the exact space you’re working with. Here’s how to do it right:

  1. Empty the Area: Remove all bedding, mattress toppers, and any other items from the current mattress and frame.
  2. Measure the Platform: Use a metal tape measure for accuracy. Measure the width and length of the wooden or metal bed base (the platform). Note these numbers down.
  3. Measure for Height: Determine the maximum mattress height you can have. Measure from the platform up to any windowsills, overhead cabinets, or slide-out lips that the mattress must clear. Don’t forget to account for your sheets and comforter!
  4. Check the Corners: RV corners are often rounded. Measure the radius of any rounded corners, as a square mattress may not fit properly.
  5. Consider Access: Can you easily get the new mattress through the RV door and into the bedroom? Measure the narrowest hallway and doorway it must pass through.

Types of RV Mattress Materials

Once you know your size, you need to pick a material. Each has pros and cons for life on the road.

Innerspring

Traditional coil mattresses. They offer firm support and are often quite heavy, which is a consideration for weight limits. They can be prone to sagging over time on an uneven RV platform.

Memory Foam

A very popular choice for RVs. It contours to your body and is excellent at isolating motion (so you don’t feel your partner moving). Most importantly, many memory foam mattresses come in a “bed-in-a-box” format that can be compressed and rolled, making it infinitely easier to get it inside your RV. They do sleep warmer than some other options though.

Latex Foam

Similar to memory foam but often more breathable and bouncy. It’s durable and resistant to mold and dust mites, which is a plus for the varying climates an RV experiences. It tends to be on the expensive side.

Hybrid

Combines an innerspring coil system with layers of foam on top. This aims to give you the best of both worlds: the support of springs and the comfort of foam. They can be heavy and are rarely compressible for easy installation.

Special Considerations for RV Use

An RV mattress isn’t just a house mattress in a smaller space. It faces unique challenges.

  • Weight: Every pound counts in an RV. Heavy innerspring mattresses affect your cargo carrying capacity. Lightweight foams are often preferred.
  • Ventilation: RVs can get humid. A mattress with good airflow (like some latex or hybrid models) helps prevent moisture buildup and mold.
  • Uneven Support: Many RV bed platforms use slats or have large gaps. A mattress needing a solid, flat foundation (like some memory foams) may require a bunkie board or a revised platform to prevent damage.
  • Non-Standard Shapes: Some RV beds, especially corner beds or those in truck campers, are truly custom shapes. For these, a custom-cut foam mattress is usually the only solution.

Step-by-Step: Replacing Your RV Mattress

  1. Confirm the Size: Use your measurements to decide if you need an RV Short King (72″x75″) or a Residential King (76″x80″).
  2. Choose Your Material: Balance comfort, weight, breathability, and ease of installation (compressed shipping is a huge bonus).
  3. Research Brands: Look for companies that specialize in RV mattresses or offer the exact short sizes you need. Read reviews from other RVers.
  4. Check the Return Policy: Make sure you can return the mattress if it doesn’t fit or isn’t comfortable. Some companies require a 30-day trial period.
  5. Prepare for Delivery: If it’s a compressed mattress, have help ready. It will be heavy and will start expanding as soon as you open the plastic. Clear a path to the bedroom.
  6. Allow for Full Expansion: A memory foam mattress can take 24-72 hours to fully expand and for any slight odor to dissipate. Plan to sleep elsewhere for a night or two if possible.

FAQ Section

Is an RV king the same as a regular king?

No, it is not. A standard residential king is 76″ x 80″. An RV king is typically 72″ x 75″, making it shorter and slightly narrower.

Can I put a regular king mattress in my RV?

Only if your RV is specifically designed for a residential king size. Most are not. A regular king will likely be too long, preventing slide-outs from operating or blocking walkways. Always measure first.

What are the dimensions of a short king mattress?

A short king mattress is usually 72 inches wide and 75 inches long. This is the same as the common RV king size.

Where can I buy an RV king size mattress?

Many online mattress companies (like GhostBed, Brooklyn Bedding, or RV-specific retailers) offer RV short king sizes. Some local mattress stores can also order them for you.

Do I need a special sheets for an RV king?

Yes. Standard king sheets will be too long and baggy on an RV king mattress. You need to search for “RV king sheets,” “short king sheets,” or “72×75 sheets” for a proper fit.

Final Tips for Your Purchase

Don’t rush the decision. Your mattress is crucial for good sleep on the road. Double-check your measurements three times before ordering. Consider a mattress protector designed for moisture barrier, especially if you travel in humid areas. And finally, remember that a good mattress can make your RV feel much more like home, so it’s worth the investment to get it right.

We hope this guide has answered your question, “what size is an RV king mattress?” and gives you the confidence to find the perfect bed for your adventures. Safe travels and sweet dreams from your new mattress!