How Big Is an RV King Mattress? Sizes, Variations, and What to Expect
If you’re asking “How Big Is An RV King Mattress?”, you’re likely trying to figure out whether this mattress size will fit your camper or motorhome—and whether your bedding will work with it. RV mattress sizing can be confusing, because it doesn’t always match standard home mattress dimensions.
This guide explains typical RV king mattress dimensions, how they compare to regular king beds, and what to check before you buy.
What Is an RV King Mattress?
In the RV world, a “king” mattress is a large bed meant to maximize sleeping space in a compact floor plan.
However, RV kings are not always the same size as a standard residential king, and the exact size can vary by manufacturer and RV model.
Most RV king mattresses fall into one of a few common size ranges rather than a single universal measurement.
So, How Big Is an RV King Mattress?
There is no single industry-wide size, but many RV king mattresses are close to:
- 72–76 inches wide
- 75–80 inches long
A common RV king dimension is around 72" x 80", which is sometimes called a “short king” or “RV king” in the camping world.
How does this compare to a standard home king?
A typical standard king (residential) mattress is about:
- 76" wide x 80" long
That means an RV king is often:
- Slightly narrower (by about 4 inches)
- Sometimes shorter (75" instead of 80"), depending on the specific RV model
Because of this variation, always measure your RV bed platform before assuming it takes a standard king.
Common RV King Size Variations
When people ask “How Big Is An RV King Mattress?”, they’re often surprised to learn there are multiple versions. These are some of the more common ranges you might see:
| Mattress Type | Approx. Width | Approx. Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard King (home) | 76" | 80" | Common bedroom king size |
| RV King | 72–76" | 75–80" | Can be shorter or narrower than standard |
| RV Short King | 72" | 75" | Popular in many fifth wheels and travel RVs |
These numbers are typical ranges, not guaranteed measurements. Different RV manufacturers may use slightly different sizes.
Why Are RV King Mattresses Different Sizes?
RV interiors are designed to save space and reduce weight. That often means:
- Corners are rounded off
- Mattresses are shortened to clear doors or cabinets
- Beds are tucked into slides or built into custom platforms
Because of this, a bed labeled as a “king” in an RV usually indicates it’s the largest bed option in that floor plan, not that it matches a home king precisely.
How to Measure Your RV for a King Mattress
If you’re trying to confirm how big an RV king mattress should be for your specific camper, measuring is the most reliable method.
- Measure the platform length
- From the head (wall or headboard) to the foot edge where the mattress will sit.
- Measure the platform width
- From side to side at the widest point.
- Check for obstacles
- Note any cabinets, slide mechanisms, walls, or corners that might cut into the mattress space.
- Compare to common RV king ranges
- See which size (72" x 80", 72" x 75", or 76" x 80", etc.) is closest to your measurements.
✅ Tip: Measure the actual usable surface, not just the wood frame, to avoid overestimating the size.
Will Regular King Sheets Fit an RV King Mattress?
Because RV kings are often narrower or shorter, standard king sheets may or may not fit well.
- For a 72" x 80" RV king, standard king sheets might feel loose in width but okay in length.
- For a 72" x 75" RV short king, standard king sheets are usually too long and may bunch at the foot.
- Some people use deep-pocket or stretchy sheets to adapt to in-between sizes.
If a snug fit matters to you, look for bedding labeled for RV king or RV short king or choose flexible materials that can handle a bit of size difference.
What Else Should You Consider Besides Size?
When you’re thinking about How Big Is An RV King Mattress, it also helps to think about:
Mattress thickness
Thicker mattresses can feel more substantial, but very tall mattresses may interfere with overhead cabinets or make climbing into bed harder.Weight
Heavier mattresses can be harder to move and may affect bed-lift storage systems under the platform.Corner shape
Some RV kings have rounded or cut corners to fit tight spaces; replacing them with a rectangular mattress might block doors or drawers.
✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways
Key points consumers should understand about “How Big Is An RV King Mattress”
- There is no single fixed size for an RV king; common dimensions range from 72–76" wide and 75–80" long.
- A widely used RV king measurement is about 72" x 80", sometimes called an RV king or short king.
- A standard home king is 76" x 80", so many RV kings are narrower and sometimes shorter.
- Always measure your RV bed platform to know the exact size you need before ordering a mattress or bedding.
- Standard king sheets may not fit perfectly on an RV king, especially on 72" x 75" short king setups.
- Features like corner shape, mattress height, and weight also affect how well a mattress works in an RV space.
Understanding how big an RV king mattress really is for your specific camper helps you choose a size that fits the platform, works with your bedding, and feels comfortable within your RV layout.
