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What Makes An RV Mattress Different?

What Makes An RV Mattress Different?

What Makes An RV Mattress Different?

RV mattresses are essential in RVs, especially for those that have to live in the RV for an extended period for any reason.

 If you are going on a camping adventure, you will find the RV mattress to be useful for several purposes, like reading, dining, playing, and sitting, and so on. 

RV mattresses are essential but they are not as comfortable as the regular type of mattress.  Be that as it may, they can serve your purpose until you return home after your adventure. 

Differentiating factors

The two major factors that make an RV mattress not the same as the regular type of mattress are:

  • Weight
  • Size

Weight

Weight is a very important issue in RV construction.  Do not forget that your RV already has its Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR), which must be respected when looking for the right RV mattress to buy.

What Makes An RV Mattress Different?

The GTWR can give you an idea of how much weight you can add to the RV. This is why you must choose carefully when loading food, gears, and other things on the RV.

If the GTWR of your RV is 2800 pounds, for example, and you have already installed a 100 pounds mattress in the vehicle, it means you will only be able to add 2700 pounds of extra load to the RV and nothing more so that you will not overload the RV.

RV mattress manufacturers consider the weight issue when making the product and try as much as possible to make the RV mattress lightweight so that it will not add much weight to the vehicle.  So, RV mattresses are generally less dense and this reduces the total weight of the final product.

Size

RV mattresses are generally smaller in size, especially in the area of their widths.  This is because of the limited space in an RV. 

Even if you install a king-size or queen-size mattress in your RV, the size of that mattress is not the same as that of the regular king-size or queen-size mattress that you use at home; the one in the RV will be smaller.  

If the regular queen size mattress is 60 inches by 80 inches, the size of the queen size RV mattress can be 48 inches by 75 inches and it is usually referred to as “three-quarter queen” by RV mattress manufacturers. So, you can expect the queen mattress in your RV to be some inches narrower than the one you use at home.

If the RV mattress is a “queen short” mattress, it means it has the same width as the regular queen-size mattress but is shorter by five inches. 

It is important to be wary of the various terms used by manufacturers when purchasing a mattress for your RV as this can help you to make the right choice among the available ones. 

When purchasing an RV mattress, you should be ready to compromise on width and length, depending on the particular type you want to buy.  You can decide to go for an RV mattress that has gel-top memory foam or a mattress that has a bigger top which translates to more comfort for the sleeper.  Whatever the case may be, you must never stack too much weight so that you do not end up exceeding the GTWR of the RV.

Available sizes of mattresses

RV mattresses can be categorized according to their sizes and we are going to show you the available sizes to help you make your choice when shopping. The type to go for can depend on the available space in the RV.  It can also be determined by the number of people to occupy the RV, as well as, their ages.

RV twin size mattress

This is one of the most common types of RV mattresses. They are common because they have a compact size that makes them fit in any part of the RV.  Twin mattresses in RVs come in two different sizes which are:

  • 28 inches by 75 inches
  • 28 inches by 80 inches.

The one to choose between the two depends on the space available in your RV.  If there is adequate space, you can decide to place the two of them beside each other, especially if you have multiple sleepers to cater for in the RV.

Truck size mattress

Truck-size matters are also commonly used in RVs. You can lay them in the cabs of your semi-truck and they can also be installed in the sleeping platform of your RV. There are also two dimensions of the truck size mattress and they are:

  • 35 inches by 79 inches
  • 42 inches by 80 inches.

This type of mattress is somewhat longer than what you can get in many of the twin mattresses around. If you are a tall sleeper, this is the perfect mattress to consider.

Bunk size mattress

If your RV is a family-friendly vehicle, then you can decide to install a bunk bed mattress in it.  The size varieties of this type of mattress are many.

The one you opt for can depend on the space available in the RV.  Check below for some of the varieties of sizes you can find in a bunk size mattress.

  • 28 inches by 75 inches
  • 30 inches by 75 inches
  • 30 inches by 80 inches
  • 34 inches by 75 inches
  • 35 inches by 79 inches

If you want to make the right choice among them, you should first measure the dimensions of the bunk bed in your RV so that you can purchase something fitting.

Three quarter size mattress

Three-quarter-sized matters are not as big as a full-size mattress.  However, they are bigger than bunk and twin mattresses. 

 Many smaller RVs are designed to accommodate this type of mattress since such RVs rarely have adequate space for full-size beds.  The only available dimension of a three-quarter size mattress is 48 inches by 75 inches. It can accommodate two kids too, depending on how told they are.

Double size or full RV mattress

The only dimension in this type of mattress is 53 inches by 75 inches. This makes them smaller than a regular full-size mattress by an inch of width.  They feel comfortable and can be used by adults sleepers, which makes them one of the commonest types of RV mattresses.

Short queen size mattress

The dimension of this mattress is 60 inches by 75 inches and it is 5 inches shorter than the dimension of a regular queen-size mattress.  The mattress is big enough to accommodate two adult sleepers and will also not require much space in the RV.

Queen size mattress

This type of RV mattress is not as commonly used as the short queen-size mattress discussed earlier.  Its dimension is 60 inches by 80 inches. You can use it in your RV if there is adequate space for it. However, it fits more in the home than in many RVs due to its larger size.

You should first get the measurement of the sleeping platform in your RV before buying this mattress to know if the queen-size mattress can fit into the sleeping platform.

RV king size mattress

This is one of the largest RV mattresses for the money.  It is a good choice for your RV if the entire family will be going on a camping adventure. 

However, you should first find out if there is adequate space in your RV to enable you to install this mattress.  The two available dimensions of this RV mattress are:

  • 72 inches by 75 inches
  • 72 inches by 80 inches

 The RV king-size mattress is large enough to accommodate a dad and mom plus a child. It can also accommodate up to four kids.  If you have adequate space in the RV, you can decide to place two king-size mattresses beside each other in the RV for an even wider sleeping space.

Types of RV mattresses

There are different types of RV mattresses out there today and it is left for you to pick any of them for your purpose. The usual type of mattress available in RVs is foam mattresses with their thickness being 5 to 6 inches. 

As we have mentioned severally above, RV mattresses cannot be as comfortable as a mattress at home.  You can, however, replace the conventional RV mattress with another one that can offer more comfort. The three categories of RV mattresses are:

  • Memory foam mattresses
  • Innerspring mattresses
  • Latex mattress
  • Air mattress

Memory foam mattress

Memory foam is special because it can conform to the body of the sleeper; thereby relieving pressure points and making aches subside. 

 They are available in different types, sizes, and brands, which inform the price varieties. You can purchase them for between $400 and $1000.

Memory foam mattress helps to conduct heat away from the body and make you feel cool all night long. It can also regulate body temperature so that you can sleep better all night long.  This is even more possible in gel-infused memory foam.

Those visiting a hot and humid region in an RV with a faulty air conditioner will find the memory foam mattress to be a perfect choice since it will help to keep them cool all night long.  The memory foams contain gel beads or gels that are swirled in them to ensure temperature regulation.

If you do not have the money to buy a whole memory foam RV mattress, you can simply purchase a mattress topper made of memory foam and place it on your existing mattress in the RV. Be that as it may, a memory foam mattress topper cannot last for as long as a memory foam mattress.

A latex mattress can contour the body too like a memory foam mattress. However, it does not feel as plush as when you use a memory foam mattress. If you want to contribute your quota to environmental safety, you can opt for an all-natural latex mattress since it is eco-friendly.  

The all-natural latex mattress contains no chemicals and this makes it safe for use, as well as, protects the ecosystem from harm. One other benefit of latex mattresses is that they are hypoallergenic.

So, they will not lead to any unwanted allergic reaction. This is possible because they can resist the growth of mildew, mold, and dust mites. On the flip side, they tend to be expensive. You may have to spare between $900 and $1500 before you can purchase a latex mattress, depending on the brand and size.

Innerspring mattress

This type of mattress is usually included with a pillow top for additional comfort. They can add a lot of comforter to your life. However, this type of RV mattress is not recommended for use and the reason is that the steel coils in them can rust over time.

The possibility of rusting can increase tremendously if you are camping in a humid region where there is a lot of moisture in the air. This type of mattress is also not expensive and will not cost you more than $250 to $600, depending on the size and brand.    

Air mattress

Several features make this type of RV mattress stand out, principally among which is its lightweight.  Be that as it may, it may not be able to provide as much comfort as many other types of RV mattresses. The end-user can easily adjust the firmness level of the air mattress.

However, the air mattress can be damaged if it sustains even a tiny puncture, which will make it leak.  You do not want such a thing to happen while you are on the move and far away from anywhere you can repair the damaged RV mattress.     

How to make the right choice

When purchasing an RV mattress, you should be on the lookout for the affordability, weight, and durability of the mattress. You do not want a mattress that will require a replacement after just a few years of use. You also do not want a mattress that will add excessively to the GTWR of the RV to prevent the addition of other essential gears.

You should go for a versatile mattress that can do more than function as a sleeping space; it will be a great idea if your mattress can also function as a play area for the kids, a workspace, dining table, and even a sofa. This will help to save a lot of space in the RV.

The affordability of the RV mattress should also be put into consideration. While it is good for the RV mattress to be affordable, you must never substitute quality for affordability.         

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