How To Measure An RV Mattress In 3 Easy Steps
By Kelly Beasley
Have you ever found yourself standing in the mattress section of a store, bewildered by the variety of sizes and types available?
Or maybe you're trying to purchase fitted sheets, a mattress topper, or a new bed frame online, and you're unsure which size to get.
Well, RV mattresses with all their sizes and shapes are even more confusing.
That's why it's vital that you know how to measure a mattress if you need to fit sheets or replace your RV bed.
This article gives you tips for measuring an RV mattress.
Why Do I Need To Measure My Camper Mattress?
The importance of accurate mattress measurement for a replacement cannot be overstated.
Not all mattresses, especially a mattress for a camper, adhere to standard mattress sizes.
Even among those that do, there can be slight variations in dimensions or angles.
Accurately measuring your mattress can help you select perfectly fitting sheets, or even determine the right mattress size if you're considering a replacement.
Measuring is essential when dealing with non-standard mattress sizes, such as those for RVs or RV bunk beds.
The Tools Of The Trade
Measuring a mattress is a relatively straightforward process.
The primary tool you need is a tape measure.
This will help you get the most accurate measurements for the mattress's width, depth, and height.
Typical Mattress Sizes
To determine the size of your RV mattress, you need its width and length.
Six commonly recognized mattress sizes exist: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king.
Being aware of your mattress size will assist you in selecting appropriately fitting bedding.
The distinct mattress sizes are established based on their width and length measurements.
Your recreational vehicle might not have a standard size, but you need to know the dimensions of the standard sizes to see if you have one.
Here are the dimensions for each size:
How To Measure An RV Mattress In Three Steps
A mattress is assumed to be lying flat when measuring.
- Measure Width: Measure across the top of the mattress from one side to the other. Doing so gives you the width.
- Measure Height: Measuring the mattress height involves measuring from the base (foot) to the (head) top of the mattress.
- Measure Depth: Depth is often overlooked but can be vital for fitting sheets and other bedding accessories. It's the distance from the top of the mattress to the bottom. If you have a mattress topper or a mattress pad, include these in your measurement as they add to the overall depth.
Remember to measure a few different spots on each side of the mattress to ensure an accurate measurement.
Beds, especially older ones, may be somewhat uneven, so it's best to take a few measurements and go with an average.
How To Measure RV Bunk Beds And Bunk Bed Sizes
Measuring for a replacement RV bunk mattress follows a similar process. However, for safety, it's crucial to leave enough space between the top of the mattress and the ceiling or bottom of the upper bunk.
Pillows, kids, and taller individuals must be considered to ensure adequate space.
RV bunk bed sizes aren't standard, so it's crucial to measure yours if you're looking for a replacement.
Other Measurements To Consider
Consider the overall dimensions of your bed frame or area the mattress has to fit in. If you're replacing a mattress in an existing bed frame, it must fit within its confines.
Additionally, think about the depth and height of any mattress toppers, foam toppers, or pads you may have, as they can affect the fit of your fitted sheets and other RV mattress extras.
If your bed is on a slide-out and you want a taller (thicker) mattress, make sure you don't go so big that the slide no longer closes.
Hybrid Mattresses And Their Sizes
Hybrid RV mattresses can sometimes differ in height compared to standard mattresses due to the additional layers of foam or other materials.
As always, measure carefully to ensure your bedding and bed frame will accommodate the mattress.
Determining RV Mattress Size
Recreational vehicles often have unique dimensions that require a custom size RV mattress.
Measure the width, depth, and height of your RV sleeping space. Be mindful of any curves or corners, as these can influence the shape and size of the mattress.
Make sure to consider the height of the mattress as well to ensure adequate headspace.
Conclusion
In conclusion, accurate mattress measurement is crucial in ensuring a comfortable sleep environment in your RV.
Whether you measure for fitted sheets, determine the size of a non-standard mattress, or calculate RV bed dimensions, taking the time to measure accurately will save you from many potential headaches.
Armed with your tape measure, you're capable of accurately measuring RV mattresses. You're now ready to tackle measuring an RV mattress like the best of them!
Author: Kelly Beasley
I dedicated myself to living the full-time RV life for over 6.5 years, immersing myself in the unique quirks and joys of the boondocking lifestyle and gaining a wealth of knowledge and experience along the way. In December 2020, my business partner and I made the transition to part-time RVing, but in January 2023, we hit the road once again, this time in our trusty vans. My mission is to help others embrace the RVing lifestyle with confidence and excitement, armed with the knowledge and resources needed to make the most of their adventures. I believe that the more you know, the more you can truly appreciate and enjoy the freedom and flexibility of the open road.