Does a Queen Mattress Fit in a Cargo Van? Practical Guide to Sizes and Dimensions

If you’re moving a mattress yourself, you may be asking: “Does a Queen Mattress Fit In a Cargo Van?” The short answer is: often yes, but it depends on the van’s interior dimensions and how flexible your mattress is.

This FAQ-style guide walks through what you need to measure, how most queen mattresses compare to common cargo van sizes, and what to consider for safe transport.

What Are the Dimensions of a Standard Queen Mattress?

A standard queen mattress typically measures:

  • Width: 60 inches (5 feet)
  • Length: 80 inches (6 feet 8 inches)
  • Thickness: usually 8–14 inches, depending on type

Some variations (like Olympic or split queens) have different dimensions, but when people ask “Does a Queen Mattress Fit In a Cargo Van”, they usually mean a standard queen.

How Big Is a Typical Cargo Van Inside?

Interior cargo space varies a lot by model and wheelbase, but many standard cargo vans fall roughly in these ranges:

  • Interior length: about 100–120 inches (8–10 feet)
  • Interior width (between walls): about 65–70 inches
  • Width between wheel wells: about 48–54 inches
  • Interior height: about 50–72 inches (depending on low / mid / high roof)

These are general ranges, not exact figures, but they’re helpful for understanding whether a queen mattress can fit.

So, Does a Queen Mattress Fit in a Cargo Van?

In many cases, yes, a queen mattress can fit in a cargo van, but the orientation matters:

  • Flat on the floor:

    • The mattress is 60" wide and 80" long.
    • If the van has at least 80" of interior length and 60"+ of clear width, you can usually lay it flat.
    • The main limitation is often length, especially in compact cargo vans.
  • On its side (upright):

    • Standing the mattress on its side requires at least 60" of interior height.
    • Many low-roof vans are under 60" high inside, which can make upright transport difficult.
  • Angled placement:

    • In shorter vans, people often angle the mattress from floor to wall or corner to corner.
    • This can help when the straight interior length is slightly shorter than 80".

Because measurements differ by model, the only reliable way to know is to compare your van’s interior dimensions to 60" × 80".

Quick Size Check: Queen Mattress vs. Typical Cargo Van

ItemKey Dimension to Check
Queen mattress lengthNeed ≥ 80" interior length (or angle)
Queen mattress widthNeed ≥ 60" interior width or height
Van width between wheel wellsMay be less than 60" – important if laying flat on floor
Van interior height (low roof)Often < 60" – may not allow upright transport
Van interior height (mid/high)More likely to allow upright or angled placement

Does Mattress Type Affect Whether It Fits?

Yes, the type of mattress changes how easy it is to load, bend, or angle.

Memory foam or foam mattresses

  • Generally more flexible and easier to maneuver.
  • Often can be slightly bent or curved to fit through doors or around corners (without sharply folding).
  • Many people find foam mattresses easier to angle inside a van.

Hybrid mattresses

  • Contain coils plus foam.
  • Usually less flexible than all-foam but still have some give.
  • Gentle bending may be possible, but sharp folding is not recommended.

Innerspring mattresses

  • Contain metal coils.
  • Typically stiffen and resist bending.
  • Trying to fold an innerspring mattress can damage the coils and structure.
  • Fit depends more strictly on actual interior measurements.

How Should I Position a Queen Mattress in a Cargo Van?

If interior space allows, many people choose:

  • Flat on the floor, lengthwise from front to back
  • Protected with a cover or blanket to avoid dirt and tears
  • Secured with straps to prevent sliding

If space is tight, consider:

  • Angling the mattress from one back corner toward the opposite front corner
  • Standing it on its side (only if interior height is at least 60" and you can secure it safely)

Avoid tightly folding the mattress, especially innerspring or thicker hybrid models, as it can affect structure and comfort.

What Should I Measure Before Transporting a Queen in a Cargo Van?

Before loading, it helps to measure:

  • Interior length from rear doors to partition or seats
  • Interior width at the narrowest point (especially between wheel wells)
  • Interior height from floor to roof
  • Door opening width and height at the rear (and side door, if needed)

🔎 Key takeaway:
If interior length ≥ 80" and width ≥ 60", a queen usually fits flat.
If height ≥ 60", you have more options for standing or angling the mattress.

Is It Safe to Transport a Queen Mattress in a Cargo Van?

It can be, when done carefully:

  • Cover the mattress to protect it from dust, oils, or rough surfaces
  • Avoid compressing or folding it more than the design allows
  • Secure with straps or ropes so it does not shift while driving
  • Keep it away from sharp edges or corners inside the van

Treating the mattress gently during loading, transport, and unloading helps preserve its shape and comfort.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about “Does a Queen Mattress Fit in a Cargo Van”:

  • A standard queen mattress is 60" × 80", so your van must accommodate those dimensions in at least one direction.
  • Many standard and larger cargo vans can fit a queen mattress flat or at an angle, but compact vans may be tight.
  • Mattress type matters: foam is usually easier to maneuver; innerspring and thicker hybrids are less flexible.
  • Check interior length, width, height, and door openings before planning your move.
  • Avoid sharp folding and always secure the mattress during transport to prevent damage or shifting.

With a tape measure and a quick comparison to 60" × 80", you can confidently decide whether a queen mattress will fit in your specific cargo van and how best to position it.