Can You Use a SleepDog® Standard Mattress in an RV?

RVs are unique spaces designed to be comfortable enough to live and travel in. As such, they are equipped with all the necessities of daily life, often including a kitchen, bathroom, living area, and sleeping area. Luxury RVs may also include a stackable washer/dryer and additional sleeping areas, such as a sofa bed or even space for sleeping above the cab.

Many RV beds are compatible with standard mattresses, but are more commonly made to accommodate “RV” mattress sizes or “short” mattresses that are shorter and more compact than their standard mattress size counterparts. So, can the bed in your RV be furnished with a standard size mattress? Some RV manufacturers offer RV models that are furnished with standard residential mattress sizes, while others only accommodate RV mattress sizes. At SleepDog® mattress we offer both, so no matter your RV, camper or travel trailer configuration, you can enjoy your RV sleep experience.

Understanding the Unique Challenges of RV Beds

1. Space Constraints

As any RVer or road trip enthusiast would know that RVs and travel trailers come with limited space. Each piece of furniture is specifically designed so that it comfortably fits in your RV configuration. As a result, the sleep space in your RV may be irregularly shaped or smaller than your residential sleeping area, which is why RV mattress companies, SleepDog® included, offer RV-sized mattresses to accommodate these spaces. SleepDog® offers 4 different mattresses in both an RV Queen size, which measures 60” wide by 75” long, and an RV King size, which measures 72” wide by 75” long.

1. Weight Considerations

RVs can handle anywhere between 2,000 and 10,000 pounds of weight based on the model and size. If you are not sure how much your RV can carry, we suggest finding out before loading up. Most companies will list the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR), which tells you exactly how much the RV weighs when full with gear, water, and gas. The GVWR is also the maximum weight capacity the RV can handle, which is a number that should never be surpassed. Doing so can significantly affect the performance of the vehicle. For cargo in particular, the Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) tells you how much additional weight you can load onto your RV. You must also consider the potential extra weight that would be added if you plan to tow a trailer, car, or anything else with your RV.

These weight limits may also affect the type of RV mattress you want. A lightweight mattress, such as one with a slimmer profile than a standard residential mattress, like our SleepDog® or BigDawg mattress™ models, can ease the concern about maxing out your RV’s weight capacity.

1. Durability and Mobility

RV mattresses must be durable enough to withstand the constant movement and vibrations of the RV. Long road trips and regular use can quickly wear down a mattress, so it is essential to choose one that is built to last with materials that are both comfortable and durable. SleepDog® RV mattresses are tailored to fit most RV and camper configurations and are built to last, allowing you to choose a high-quality, long-lasting mattress without sacrificing sleep space.

1. Pros and Cons of Using a Standard Mattress in an RV

Some RVs are built to accommodate standard mattress sizes and constructions, which inevitably comes with both benefits and disadvantages. Standard mattresses are often much easier to replace because they are available in standard, residential mattress sizes. At SleepDog®, we offer 4 of our mattresses in the standard queen size, 60” wide by 80” long, and our Dual Hybrid® model in the twin XL size, 38” wide by 80” long, so that RVers have the option of memory foam mattresses with slimmer profiles or foam mattresses with constructions intended for either RV or residential use.

The downside to standard mattress sizes and construction in RVs, campers or travel trailers is the weight of the bed and the amount of space they occupy. If the size of your RV living space is much more limited with the use of a standard queen size mattress, an RV size mattress specifically designed to fit in a more compact space may be the better option if it will safely fit into your sleep space.

Alternatives to Standard Mattresses for RVs

RV mattresses are the perfect alternative to standard mattress sizes. Companies like SleepDog® offer mattresses designed specifically for use in RVs so you can have an affordable, high-quality mattress that provides a luxurious sleep experience perfectly suited for your RV. SleepDog® offers two different mattresses exclusively in RV sizes – the Original RV mattress and Azul® RV mattress – in addition to two slimmer mattress constructions that are available in RV mattress sizes – the SleepDog® mattress and BigDawg mattres™. Our RV specific mattress sizes include RV Queen and RV King size, which measure 75” in length versus standard queen size and king size mattresses, which measure 80” in length. It is important to note that RV mattress sizing varies from company to company, so be sure to measure your own sleep space and confirm that the dimensions match.

Tips for Selecting the Right Mattress for Your RV

1. Measure the Available Space

In order to accurately measure your RV sleep space, you will need a tape measure long enough to measure the sleep area, bed frame, and any doors or areas you may need to bring your mattress through in order to remove the old mattress and install the new one. Once you have measured the height, width, and length of these areas, you should be able to determine what size mattress you need:

• SleepDog® RV Queen mattresses measure 60”x75”
• SleepDog® RV King mattresses measure 72”x75”
• SleepDog® standard queen size mattresses measure 60”x80”
• SleepDog® twin XL mattresses measure 38”x80”

Precise measurements are essential to having a positive sleep experience in your RV, so be sure to measure and keep a record of the dimensions. If your RV sleep space will not accommodate any of the above mattress sizes, we suggest comparing your measurements to those of standard twin, full, king and California King mattress sizes available at our sister company, BedInABox®.

1. Consider Weight and Material

As previously mentioned, it is important to find a mattress that is supportive, durable, and easy to move. SleepDog® RV mattresses are made with multiple layers of memory foam and have weights ranging from 55 lbs to 113 lbs depending on the mattress size and construction. These are relatively lightweight compared to standard mattresses, which is why they can be shipped directly to your door. We also choose our materials carefully to ensure that they won’t add too much weight to your RV or motorhome. Some mattress constructions, such as hybrid mattresses or traditional innerspring mattresses, may be heavier, but all SleepDog® mattresses are light enough in weight to be delivered in a box for easy installation.

1. Look at Recommendations and Reviews

It’s always a good idea to read reviews before purchasing a product, and RV mattresses are no different! If you know other RVers, seek recommendations from seasoned pros and ask what type of mattress they use. They may offer advice on measuring your sleep space, choosing the most durable and high-quality brand, and selecting a lightweight material. To ensure that you have the best RV and travel experience, choose a mattress that is comfortable, affordable, and suitable for your sleep needs.

Still not sure which RV mattress is right for you? Our team of experts is here to help you make an informed decision before upgrading your RV sleep setup. By offering a collection of different RV mattresses in a number of standard and RV specific sizes, we hope to provide the best sleep experience in your RV, camper, or travel trailer. Contact us today to find the perfect RV mattress for your over-the-road sleep setup!