Need New RV Bedding? Easily Find The Perfect Fit For Your Fickle Mattress
(Camp Addict does NOT accept payment from any company to review or endorse their products.)
By Kelly Beasley
Last Updated: November 23, 2022
An RV is an incredible invention.
It's a vehicle allowing you to take your entire home (including your RV bedding and mattress) with you on any road trip.
As with almost everything in a recreational vehicle, RV beds are a sometimes little different than traditional beds.
But mostly, they are very similar to home/traditional beds. What are we talking about?
We're going to dive into the differences and similarities so you can get your road bed dressed as nicely and as comfortably as you want.
This way, every night on your trip is a luxurious sleeping experience!
How Is RV Bedding Different than Regular Bedding?
Some (very little) RV bedding is 'specialized,' while most is just like regular bedding.
For the most part, the only difference in the bedding you use depends on the size of the mattress used in your RV.
If you don't have a traditionally sized mattress, your traditional sized bedding won't fit quite right.
Namely, the fitted sheet.
Photo By Jessica.Over.Yonder
It's All About Size, and Sometimes, Shape
As mentioned above, camper mattresses are often not sized the same as standard residential mattresses.
In campers, beds often come in custom sizes, and smaller than traditional sizes, to allow room for other things. This rings especially true in smaller-sized RVs.
Other than having an odd-sized bed to dress, there's nothing else special about the bedding you'll need.
But there are other things to consider, such as how to make making your bed easier if it is against, say, three walls.
This leads us to the next question.
Why Use Specialized RV Bedding and Sheets?
Unless you have a unique bed situation going on, such as a bed that rises into the ceiling, a funky-shaped mattress, or a bed that is against two or more walls, you can use regular flat sheets, fitted sheets, pillowcases, and other bedding.
There is no such thing as a camper comforter or camper bedspreads. But there are a few options as far as 'special' bedding goes.
Specialized Sheets Are Optional
Heck, even if you DO have one of the bed types above, most of the time you can still make a regular bedding set work with your mattress.
It may take a little extra tucking or the use of sheet straps to take care of a loose or excess fitted sheet, but it's still workable.
Alternative Bedding Options
That said, there are companies that sell specialized bedding that makes the job of making those wonky camper beds much easier to make.
We'll touch more on those later in this article.
First, let's talk sheets!
Sheets
So, do RVers need special or custom RV bed sheets for their recreational vehicle bed?
The answer depends on a few things:
- Mattress type
- Comfort level
- Temperature you camp in
Which Mattress Type Do You Have?
It depends on your budget and how much you care about it being easy to make the bed.
For Regular Sized Mattresses
If you can fully walk around your bed and it's a regular, say, queen size, then regular sheets in that size will work just fine.
For Walled-In Mattresses
If you have a bed against three walls, and you want making it to be as easy as possible, you might go for a zippered fitted sheet or a bedding solution such as the Beddy's bedding solution.
It all depends on your budget and tolerance for putting up with a hard-to-make bed.
For Odd-Sized Mattresses
In this case, you can certainly use the sheets you have in the house if you want to try that.
If they are too big and you don't want to deal with using sheet straps to tighten it up, then you should get a custom made fitted sheet.
Keep in mind, using regular sheets as your RV bed sheets allows you to choose from a large variety of colors and fabrics.
Using sheet straps can be helpful in this situation. Or, if you know how to use a sewing machine, you could alter the fitted sheet to better conform to your bed.
It's not essential though, if you don't care to have a PERFECTLY fitted sheet.
You're probably going to cover it with a comforter or duvet anyway, so no one is going to see it. As long as it stays on, it will do!
Comfort
Rest assured, if you can't live without your sateen cotton sheets at home, your preference won't change when you're at a campground.
Keep this in mind when you're shopping for your bedding.
Please don't make the mistake of buying and then regretting it. Know what you like, and go for that same level of comfort if you can.
Remember, it doesn't matter what size or shaped mattress you have, you can make regular sheets work.
Temperature
Take some time to consider where you will be camping and when.
If you always camp during the summer, keep light materials for your sheets to avoid sweating at night.
The same goes for winter camping. If that's all you do, and you don't use any heat at night, you might want to opt for flannel sheets or any other warmer thread for your sheets.
If you will camp in both extremes, consider linen sheets, which work well in both climates.
Blankets
Here's where dealing with your RV bedding can be fun!
You don't need any special blanket for your RV bed. You can even use blankets as a substitute for a comforter or duvet.
Nobody said you HAVE to use 'proper' bedding. Nope.
Do what you want to! Use a nice blanket in the colors and material you desire for your topcoat if you want!
You can get blankets anywhere, or use your favorite one from home.
Duvet
A duvet is like a comforter with a cover on it. This is used when you have a comforter made with materials that shouldn't be washed often, such as down feathers.
Instead of washing the whole comforter, you wash the cover, then replace it. Boom, you have a clean topper.
Again, any duvet and cover will do, long as you like the way it sits on and fits on the bed.
Personally, I use a duvet and cover, and I have a bed that's against three (four, really) walls.
When not in use, I don't 'make' the bed.
The yellow bit is my duvet!
Instead, I stuff the duvet against the wall and put pillows in front of it.
It makes the bed area look much cleaner than spreading it out on the mattress.
Comforters
Comforters are also a free-for-all when it comes to choosing one for your bed.
It just needs to fit in a way you like, and you can easily pick one you like that matches the color scheme of your rig.
If you have kids or pets that will be using the RV, you might not want to pick an expensive one.
Go for one that is durable but is also comfortable.
Other Accessories
Some of you like for your beds to have other accessories.
Some accessories are for looks, some are protective, and others make for devious extra storage!
Let's start with one that might be considered essential.
Mattress Cover
Same as your home mattress, it's a good idea to get a protective cover for your bed.
This keeps it clean and clear of any human bodily fluids (gross), possible animal bodily fluids, and liquid spills.
Again- if you have a regular home-sized mattress, this is easy.
Otherwise, you'll either need to get a custom cover, use sheet straps, or use your seamstress skills to make a regular one work.
This mattress has a striped cover
Toppers And Pads
It's NO secret that stock RV mattresses are almost always awful.
If you don't want to replace yours, you can try enhancing it using a RV memory foam mattress topper or a mattress pad.
You can use any topper or pad. It doesn't have to be anything special other than it should fit the top of your mattress.
Often, toppers are made from gel memory foam or other foam.
Therefore, if you can't find the exact fit, you can cut it yourself with a large knife.
On the other hand, pads usually come stuffed with a material such as down or other fiberfill.
If you cut it, you'll have to sew it back up so the stuffing doesn't escape.
Either way, these might enhance whatever mattress is in your motorhome or travel trailer enough to make your bed a dream after a full day of exploring!
Pillows
This one is probably the easiest of all of your bedding choices. Nothing to it.
Whatever pillows you use at home, bring them. Done!
If you don't want to load and unload pillows for a trip, get identical pillows for your adventure vehicle.
They can be filled with anything, down, fiberfill, polyester, whatever.
Throw some pillow shams on the decorative ones.
It's wise to use a protective layer under the pillowcase on the one you sleep on to help with allergens if you're allergic to, say, dust mites.
It also protects the pillow from drool stains (eew).
Decorative Pillows For The RV
Speaking of decorative pillows, can you use them with your camper bedding set? Of course you can!
Cushions can add color and fun to your RV bedroom area.
Just make sure you have a place to put them at night when you sleep, so you or anyone in your family doesn't trip on them.
Decorative Pillows Doubling As Storage
Is storage hard to come by in your travel trailer or motorhome?
Here's a secret storage tip for you!
Take the cover off of your decorative pillow and stuff it with something like your jackets or other stuffing-like necessities!
Two birds, one stone! We have friends who do this, and it's a priceless secret that comes in VERY handy!
Bonus: Use decorative pillows on your booth or couch area to add more storage and color.
Who Sells RV Sheets?
When we say 'RV sheets,' we mean sheets that are made in typical RV mattress dimensions.
These mattresses even have their own names.
Here's a list of the most common RV mattress sizes:
RV Bunk 42" x 80"
RV Full 53" x 75"
Short Queen 60" x 75"
Queen 60" x 80"
RV Short King 72" x 75"
RV King 72" x 80"
Some manufacturers make sheets to fit these more standard sizes.
If you have something way off from these sizes, you might have custom sheets made or make them work by sewing them or using sheet straps.
Where To Order Custom-Sized Sheets For a Non-Standard RV Mattress Size
Here are a few places that make custom-sized sheets:
- Tochta
- Amazon
- Do a quick Google search for "custom sheets"
Stores Selling Sheets That Fit Common RV Mattress Sizes
Here are a few places that sell 'RV sheets.' Meaning they offer the common sized RV mattress sheets:
Where To Buy RV Mattress Pads & Mattress Protectors
If you have a standard home-sized mattress, you can buy these anywhere.
If you have an RV sized mattress or another odd size, you can try these outlets:
For Hard To Make RV Beds
There are many ways OTHER than traditional bedding to dress your crazy RV bed.
You don't need RV comforters made for a camper or RV camper bedding sets made for RVs, either.
Who said you had to dress your bed like a home bed? NOBODY.
So, get creative, or choose one of the products that help make a hard-to-make RV bed easier to make!
OR, get some RV-themed bedding.
Anyway, here are some ideas to choose from.
Non-Conformative Ways To Dress Your RV Bed
Sleeping Bags
Especially great for bunk beds for the kids, why not just throw their sleeping bags on their bunk beds? Sometimes this is easier than finding odd-sized camper bunk sheets.
You can also do this for your primary bed. Sleeping bags are easy to make, easy to disassemble, and warm!
Quilts/Blankets/Duvets/Bedspreads
So, I use alternative bedding for my RV camper bedding. Sheets were too hard to deal with since my bed is against four different walls.
Instead of sheets, now I have a quilt on top of the mattress and a duvet on top. It looks great!
The quilt doesn't slide, and I could use sheet straps to stop it if it did. That's all I use for my RV queen bedding sets.
You could do the same.
You could lay on a bedspread and put another comforter on top of that. You can just use a bunch of blankets as your RV comforter.
It doesn't matter!
All that matters is that you are comfortable and comfortable with your motorhome or travel trailer bedding.
Alternative Bedding Sets
There are a few sellers that make solutions for hard-to-make or even for not hard-to-make beds.
Hard to make or not, these make making your travel trailer or motorhome bedding VERY easy to make.
Nobody wants to be stuck at camp doing a bunch of household work, including wrestling every day to put the bedding for campers back together!
Here are a few unique solutions.
Beddy's
Beddys bed set. Notice how there's no messiness to it. It's a fitted sheet with everything connected to it.
Beddy's is like a fitted sheet with the top sheet and the comforter connected to it. It's basically a sleeping bag attached to a fitted sheet.
You zip and unzip the Beddy's to get in and out. When it's zipped up, it looks perfectly made. This solution makes for a great bedding for camper.
Beddy's Discount
Click below to receive 15% off your Beddy's order.
Zipit
Zipit is very similar to Beddy's, but it is marketed for kids. Kids (or you) can easily make their bed with the zip of a zipper!
This might work for your twin mattress or bunk style mattress.
However, they do not make custom sizes or RV mattress sizes.
QuickZip
This fitted sheet solution makes it SO much easier not to have to change out your whole fitted sheet.
Quickzip bedding for RV campers is quite a brilliant design.
It's a fitted sheet with a zipper around the top edges, so when it comes time to wash your RV linens, you unzip the top part of the sheet from the sides, wash, and zip it back on!
You can choose the color, size, and material.
This works even for at-home use.
They only offer a couple of RV mattress sizes, particularly the RV queen and RV King. Other than that, they don't offer unique sizes.
QuickZip is JUST a fitted sheet, but it unzips around the top to make washing and re-making SO MUCH easier. Good for RV or home use.
Conclusion
There aren't too many decisions to make regarding what to get when it comes to outfitting your RV bed.
There is no 'magic' in RV bedding sets except to get sizes that work or just make what you have or want to use work.
Probably the most challenging part is deciding whether you want to use sheets, an RV bedding pre-built set, or wing it using random bedding and no sheets.
If you choose to use sheets, if you don't have a 'standard' RV mattress size, you'll either have to get a custom made fitted sheet or get sheet straps to make the closest size work.
This is not rocket science. If you are looking for nice RV replacement bedspreads, then get them!
You'll figure it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RV Bedding Different?
RV bedding is no different than home 'regular' bedding.
There's no magic material in it that makes it OK to be in an RV. They are constructed of the same variety of materials household bedding is made with.
The only difference between an RV bed and a home bed might be the size of the mattress. RV mattresses often come in smaller sizes to save space in the RV.
Can You Use Regular Bedding In An RV?
Yes, you can use regular bedding in an RV.
You just might have to MacGyver it a little to get it to fit if you have an odd-shaped bed.
But for most recreational vehicles, regular bedding will work just fine.
Gizzie loves her non-conventional RV bedding!
What Is The Best Bedding For A Camper Van?
The best bedding for a camper van is the bedding that works for you.
Your van probably doesn't have a standard-sized mattress, so either get a custom-fitted sheet made, use a sleeping bag, or just use blankets for your bedding.
If you have the right size, you can also get a pre-made system such as Beddy's, or at least a zippered fitted sheet to make making and unmaking the bed easier.
How Do You Store Camper Bedding?
Camper bedding is no different than home bedding when it comes to storage.
You should store it in the same way you do your home bed linens.
Keep it in a dry place away from where any critters can get to it. Big plastic air-tight containers work well if you have the space (for example, under the bed) to store one.
If your rig is stored in a temperature-controlled environment, you can probably safely leave the bedding on the bed when stored.
If you're in a very humid environment where moisture is a problem and your rig is not in climate-controlled storage, you should bring the bedding in to avoid mildew from growing in it.
Author: Kelly Beasley
As a seasoned and passionate RVing expert, I have dedicated myself to living the full-time RV life for over 5.5 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. Join me on this journey and let's make some unforgettable memories.