The Perfect Guide To RV Sheets: What You Need To Know
(Camp Addict does NOT accept payment from any company to review or endorse their products.)
By Kelly Beasley
Last Updated: November 23, 2022
Everyone deserves a good night's sleep, don't they?
Especially while on vacation, there's nothing better than having soft, luxurious RV sheets to crawl into after a long day of exploring and discovery.
But when it comes to camper bed sheets, where does one purchase them?
And how do you find linens that fit your odd-sized RV bed? For example, finding the right sized RV bunk bed sheets can be 'fun'.
It's not that hard, but there are a few things you need to know about RV camping sheets.
Let's learn about it.
What's The Deal With RV Mattress Sheets?
In most ways, RV sheets are not unlike regular sheets.
There's nothing special they need to possess.
They only need to fit. Just like regular sheets, they vary by:
- Size
- Quality
- Materials
Where camper sheets differ the most from 'traditional' sheets is (sometimes) the dimensions.
Some mattresses in recreational vehicles are not a standard size that you are used to seeing.
Therefore, the 'hardest' part of buying sheets for your RV mattress is knowing the dimensions of your mattress.
And that part is not hard. Tape measure to the rescue!
Don't assume that your queen-sized-looking mattress is in fact, a true queen.
Queen mattresses in motorhomes and travel trailers might be what's called a 'Queen short,' or it could even be bigger than a regular queen.
Therefore, measuring your mattress is almost a requirement. Once you know the size, you can proceed.
This leads us to this next question:
Can You Use Regular Queen Sheets In An RV?
You can use regular queen sheets (or twin/king/full) if your RV bed is the same size as a standard bed that size (60" x 80").
There's no magical trait that the sheets must possess otherwise to use them in your RV.
Do you have a standard queen mattress in your RV?
If so, then you can use any queen sheets out of Walmart, Bed Bath and Beyond, Marshall's, Ross, etc., and they will work just fine.
That said, are there qualities sheets can have that might make for a better overall camping experience?
Sure! Let's look at a few.
Features To Look For In RV Bedding And Sheets
Camper beds often come with their own set of challenges when it comes to RV bedding.
The bed might be against a wall. If you cannot walk all the way around the bed, it's very challenging to make.
It may be a murphy bed that folds up into the wall for day use. Or, it might be an odd size.
That said, there's not too much you need to look for as far as RV sheet features UNLESS making your bed is a pain.
There are alternatives to a conventional camper sheet set as well as gadgets that can make making your bed (and stripping) easier.
More on that next.
This type of Toy Hauler bed is a good candidate for the all in one style of bedding solution we talk about next.
Easy To Make Bedding/Easy To Remove Sheets
If your camper bed is against a wall (or three), you can make things easier using alternative styles of 'sheets.'
Here are two great options:
"QuickZip" Fitted Sheet
The QuickZip makes ANY bed easier to strip and make.
The fitted sheet is usually the hardest part for you to change since you have to lift the mattress to get it under there.
The QuickZip is a fitted sheet with zippers that allow you to remove the horizontal part of that sheet for washing. Because you are never touching the sides, right?
So, the sides don't get dirty nearly as quickly as the top!
This is a pretty genius invention if you ask us. Makes changing the fitted sheet SO MUCH EASIER!
I want one of these for my bed at home. (Shop QuickZip on Amazon.)
This video below shows the benefit perfectly.
Beddy's
Beddy's is a product that acts like a fitted sheet with a sleeping bag.
Instead of individual sheets, you place this entire item on top of your mattress. It fits your mattress like a fitted sheet but it has the sheet and comforter attached.
It's all one piece. To make the bed, you just zip it up.
To sleep, simply unzip, slide yourself in the sack, and call it a night.
This makes for easier bed-making each morning.
Beddy's Discount
Click below to receive 15% off your Beddy's order.
Sheet Materials And Benefits
Honestly, any RV linen material you decide on will work.
There are only a few factors to consider when making this decision:
- What materials do you prefer (soft, breathable, wrinkle-resistant, wick away moisture, etc).
- What temperatures you will mostly camp in (flannel or lightweight).
- What climates you will mostly camp in.
- Whether or not you need a solution for a corner-type bed.
Regular-sized sheets come in many types of materials. Some are more durable than others.
Some keep you warmer than others.
As far as pilling goes, the longer the fibers of the material, the less prone to pilling the fabric will be.
This equates to more expensive sheets, which is not surprising.
Natural materials tend to pill less than synthetic. (Bamboo, silk, linen, etc.)
Here's a rundown of some of the most popular materials you're bound to find:
Egyptian Cotton
True Egyptian Cotton is considered a 'luxury' fabric (hello swanky travel trailer sheets!). Egyptian cotton is an extra-long fiber compared to regular cotton.
It has a smaller diameter, and so it produces a super smooth and soft cloth. Beware of fake advertising, though.
Look for ELS (extra-long staple) on the package for it to be authentic Egyptian cotton.
Otherwise, it's probably just cotton that was grown in Egypt.
Genuine long fiber cotton will also list as "long-staple Egyptian, long-staple Pima, or Supima cotton."
Cotton
Cotton sheets are affordable, breathable, comfortable, and tend to last a long time.
They come in many different thread counts, so watch for that before buying.
A higher thread count isn't always better. The comfort level has more to do with the fiber length, as explained above under the Egyptian Cotton.
Microfiber
Microfiber sheets are made from synthetic materials such as nylon, wood pulp, or polyester.
The benefit of microfiber over natural materials is that this sheet is less likely to shrink and is more wrinkle-resistant. Watch for the weave.
A flatweave is best because a waffle weave will trap heat and absorb moisture instead of repelling it.
Microfiber sheets are soft and affordable, making them a good choice.
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fiber made out of plastic, usually derived from petroleum.
Much of the clothing made today is made from polyester.
This fabric sometimes causes skin irritation, and it is less absorbent than cotton and will wrinkle less easily.
These are also likely more affordable than cotton but will sleep hotter.
This might not be your best option when it comes to getting comfortable sheets for RV beds.
Flannel
Flannel is a material made from cotton. It holds heat more than most other common materials. But it also breathes.
Still, flannel motorhome or travel trailer bed sheets are best for camping in colder climates as it does sleep warm.
Expect to pay from $30 to $200 for a sheet set.
Temperature Controlled Mattress Pads
This is an excellent addition to help make your RV feel luxurious!
Of course, you either have to have access to 120-volt power, or you need a pad that runs off of 12 volts.
If nothing else, you can use this pad to warm up the bed before you jump into it, then turn it off. If you want it on all night, you can do that, too.
Just make sure you aren't overloading your electrical system.
What's The Difference Between RV Bed Sheets And Regular Sheets?
The only possible difference between RV bed sheets and regular sheets is sometimes the size.
There's no magic potion that the sheets must hold in order to be in your rig.
In other words, it may not be necessary to order specific RV camper sheets.
They only need to work for you and fit!
Where Can I Buy RV Sheets?
There are quite a few places you can purchase RV sheet sets.
Keep in mind that some only sell standard RV sheet sizes and regular mattress sizes.
If you have a funky-sized mattress, you have to order custom or make up your own solution OR make the closest size work.
Here are a few places where you can get the best RV sheets:
Camping World
Camping World has some in-store, but you are likely to find more of a selection on their website.
When ordering, you can choose to have them delivered to your local store (when applicable) or to your home.
Keep in mind that they only sell standard RV sheet sizes and regular sheet sizes.
A screenshot of a few of the varieties of some sheet sets from Camping World
Amazon
Here you can get just about anything for your RV bed.
You can get standard mattress-sized sheets, RV-sized mattress sheets as well as custom-sized sheets.
Beddy's
Beddy's is a solution for hard-to-make RV beds.
However, even if your bed is not hard to make, you might prefer this solution.
Beddy's is a fitted sheet, sheet, and comforter all in one piece! It has a zipper that opens or encloses the sleeping bag type set.
You can wash it all together. It makes making the bed SO much easier!
Beddy's Discount
Click below to receive 15% off your Beddy's order.
Tochta
Tochta makes custom and RV-sized mattresses.
They also make custom-sized RV sheets!
Beyond that, they have RV mattress-sized sheets, so, say, you have a Short Queen; they sell in that size.
Where To Order Custom-Sized Sheets For Your RV Mattress
There are a couple of places you can order custom-sized sheets for your rig:
- Amazon
- Tochta (you can customize just about any aspect of your RV sheets)
- A quick Google search for 'custom sheets' will also give you plenty of other options
Why Use Specialized RV Bedding And Sheets?
There are a few reasons to use specialized RV sheets and bedding.
Ease of making the bed, special size needs, the need for extra warmth, and the need for stain resistance are a few good reasons.
Don't feel confined to NEEDING sheets. I place a quilt on top of my RV mattress and have a duvet on top.
That's it. No sheets!
How To Make An RV Mattress More Comfortable
We must acknowledge here that most mattresses that come with a motorhome, travel trailer, or small RV camper are, to put it mildly, crap.
You can easily replace the mattress.
Just make sure you order the correct size, so it fits. This may mean ordering a custom size.
Another cheaper route is to buy a camper mattress topper. A good quality mattress topper can make a mediocre mattress feel just right.
They tend to come in latex, gel, and memory foam. There is no 'best.' It depends on the feel you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do RV Beds Need Special Sheets?
RV beds don't need special sheets necessarily as a bed sheet is a bed sheet as far as the material used and the way they are manufactured.
However, some recreational vehicle mattresses have abnormal dimensions, which would require a special sized set of bedding.
Other than potentially being a specialized size, there is nothing unique about the sheets that you use in an RV.
Can I Use Regular Sheets In An RV?
You can certainly use regular sheets from home in your recreational vehicle if you have a mattress that matches the size of your home mattress.
There's no difference in such a case.
You simply need pillowcases, a flat sheet, and a fitted sheet, and you're ready for a comforter on top!
What Size Sheets Go On A Camper Mattress?
The size of sheets for a camper mattress depends on the depth and width of your mattress.
The best way to find out what you need is to measure your mattress. Then order the correspondingly sized camper sheet set.
What Does "RV Queen Sheets" Mean?
RV queen sheets simply mean that you need bedding with the same dimension as a traditional queen bed (60" x 80").
The exception is if you have a short queen mattress, then you will need sheets that measure 60" x 75".
What Size Sheets Fit An RV Queen Bed?
Any regular queen sheets (60" x 80") will fit an RV queen bed. If you have a short queen, you need short queen sheets.
More the fitted sheet than the top sheet.
The top sheet can just be tucked in further to get it lined up the right way.
Will Full-Size Sheets Fit A Short Queen Mattress?
No, full-size sheets will not fit an RV short queen mattress. While the length is the same for a short queen and full-sized mattress, the queen is 6 inches wider.
What Size Are RV King Sheets?
RV king sheets are either 72" x 80" (normal king) or 72" x 75" (short RV king).
You will need to measure your RV king bed mattress to determine which size sheets you will need.
How Can I Wash My Sheets While Camping?
You can wash your sheets while camping by simply heading to the nearest laundromat.
Some campgrounds even have their own laundromat.
If boondocking, one could wash sheets in the nearest river, but make sure to use an eco-friendly soap.
What About Those Zippered Sheets For Camping?
Yes, zippered sheets are great for camping!
We mention a couple of companies that make them above.
What Are The Best Sheets For RVs?
You pick the best sheets for your RV much as you pick them for your home. The best RV sheets are the ones that let you sleep comfortably.
Once you've determined the correct size for the sheets, then you chose the material they are made from (more on materials above).
It depends on your wants, likes, and needs.
You may want super high-end sheets that will last the longest and cost the most.
Or, you might only camp where it's cold with no heat, so you'd prefer flannel sheets. It's up to you to figure that out.
What Size Sheets Fit An RV Table Bed?
The size of sheets needed to fix an RV table bed will depend on the size of the sleeping area that the table converts to.
The most typical 'table bed' is created when a camper dinette is converted to a sleeping area.
The resulting camper dinette bed can range in size from having enough space for a child to having enough space for two adults. Generally, the bigger the RV, the bigger the dinette will be.
The dinette bed may not be the right size to use conventionally sized bedding, so you have a couple of options:
- Purchase a custom set of sheets that are sized to the dimensions you need. You may only want to go to this expense if you frequently use the table bed.
- Make do with a regular set of sheets that is close enough in size, and tuck the excess under the bed as necessary.
Conclusion
Getting sheets for your recreational vehicle isn't as easy as getting them from your bedroom bed in your home.
There's a good chance that you have an irregular-sized mattress that requires custom-made sheets.
That, or you may have three walls surrounding your bed, making it extremely difficult to make.
In such a case you might want to get a different kind of sheet set that makes the job easier.
If you have a bed the same size as your home bed, you're in luck! You can easily buy sheets or use the ones you already have. Just measure your mattress and you'll know what you have and what you need.
Regardless, everything you need to know about picking the right sheets is on this page.
Get your sheets, get out there, and enjoy your camping vacation!
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.
“In such a case you might want to get a different kind of sheet set that makes the job easier.“”
It would be helpful to know what kind of sheet you are talking about and where to find them.?
Hi Clarise,
Good question! As mentioned above in the article, we would recommend the Beddy’s or the Quick Zip sheets. They offer an alternative way of removing the sheets from an RV bed.