Will a King Size Mattress Fit in a Cargo Van? Practical Guide and FAQs

If you’re planning a move or pickup, it’s natural to wonder: Will a king size mattress fit in a cargo van? The short answer is: often yes, but it depends on both the mattress type and the specific van’s interior dimensions.

This guide breaks down what to measure, what to expect, and how to transport a king mattress safely and simply.

What Are the Dimensions of a King Size Mattress?

A standard king size mattress in North America typically measures:

  • 76 inches wide x 80 inches long
  • Thickness can range from about 8 to 14+ inches

There are variations (like California king), but when people ask “Will a King Size Mattress Fit In a Cargo Van”, they usually mean a standard king. Always check your own mattress tag or product details if you need exact measurements.

Will a King Size Mattress Fit in a Cargo Van in Most Cases?

In many situations, a king size mattress can fit in a cargo van when:

  • The interior length of the cargo area is at least 80 inches
  • The interior width (between the narrowest points) is at least 76 inches
  • The door openings (rear or side) are tall and wide enough to angle the mattress in

Because many cargo vans are designed to carry bulky items, they often meet or come close to these measurements. However, not all vans are the same. Compact cargo vans may be too short in length or height, while extended models usually offer more room.

What Should I Measure Before Loading a King Mattress?

To confidently answer “Will a King Size Mattress Fit In a Cargo Van” for your specific situation, measure both:

1. Your Mattress

  • Width: Around 76 inches
  • Length: Around 80 inches
  • Thickness: Can affect how much you can bend or angle it

2. The Cargo Van

Measure the usable interior space, not just exterior specs:

  • Interior length: From the back doors to the partition or front seats
  • Interior width: Narrowest point (often between wheel wells)
  • Interior height: Floor to roof
  • Door opening sizes: Height and width at rear and side doors

If the interior length is shorter than 80 inches, you might still make it work by angling the mattress diagonally, as long as the diagonal distance is long enough.

Can You Bend or Fold a King Size Mattress to Make It Fit?

This depends heavily on the type of mattress:

  • All-foam or thinner foam mattresses:
    Many people can gently bend or flex these to fit through doors or angle them inside a van.
  • Hybrid or innerspring mattresses:
    These are usually much harder to fold and may not bend safely without risk of damage.

General considerations:

  • Avoid sharp folds that crease the mattress in half.
  • Do not strap it in a tight U-shape if it resists bending.
  • If rolling or bending is suggested for your specific mattress type (often seen with certain foam models), follow those guidelines.

If you’re unsure, treat the mattress as rigid and assume it needs full length and width clearance.

How Should I Position the King Mattress Inside the Cargo Van?

Once you’re confident it will fit, these approaches are common:

  • Flat on the floor
    • Easiest on the mattress
    • Helps prevent sliding if it’s secured
  • On its side (standing on the long edge)
    • Useful if height is generous but floor space is tighter
    • Make sure it is tied or braced so it doesn’t tip
  • Slightly angled or diagonal
    • Can help when the straight length of the van is a bit short
    • Requires enough width to allow angling

Use moving straps, ropes, or soft ties to keep it from shifting during transport. A sliding mattress can be a distraction and may cause damage to the cover or the van’s interior.

Are There Any Risks to Transporting a King Mattress in a Cargo Van?

Yes, there are a few things to watch for:

  • Compression or bending damage: Especially with innerspring or thick hybrid designs
  • Tears and stains: From rough surfaces or sharp edges in the van
  • Exposure to weather: If doors stay open during loading in the rain or snow
  • Safety concerns: A loose mattress can block mirrors or windows if not secured properly

To reduce these risks, many people use a mattress bag, moving blankets, or sheets as a protective layer and secure the mattress with tie-down points in the van.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points to understand about “Will a King Size Mattress Fit In a Cargo Van”

  • Standard king size mattress: about 76" x 80", plus thickness
  • Fit depends on the van: especially interior length, width at the narrowest point, and door openings
  • All-foam mattresses: usually easier to flex or angle than innerspring or hybrid models
  • Check before you go: measure both the mattress and the cargo van’s interior
  • Best positions: flat on the floor, on its side, or angled diagonally if space is tight
  • Protect and secure: use covers or blankets and tie-downs to prevent damage and shifting

Understanding “Will a King Size Mattress Fit In a Cargo Van” comes down to simple measurements and a bit of planning. When you know your mattress size, the van’s interior dimensions, and the best way to position and protect the mattress, transporting a king size bed becomes much more straightforward and stress-free.