Will a King Size Mattress Fit In a Truck Bed? Practical Answers and Tips

If you’re planning a move or pickup and wondering “Will a King Size Mattress Fit In a Truck Bed”, you’re not alone. This is a common question for anyone trying to transport a mattress without hiring a delivery service. The short answer is: sometimes yes, sometimes no — it depends on both the mattress size and the truck bed dimensions.

This FAQ-style guide walks through what fits, what usually doesn’t, and how to decide safely.

What Are the Dimensions of a King Size Mattress?

Before asking “Will a King Size Mattress Fit In a Truck Bed”, it helps to know what “king” actually means in inches.

Typical mattress sizes:

Dimensions can vary slightly by manufacturer, but these are the most common measurements.

How Big Is a Typical Truck Bed?

Pickup truck beds vary widely. The two most important measurements are:

• Bed length (front to tailgate, inside)
• Bed width (between the side walls or wheel wells, inside)

Common truck bed lengths:

• Short bed: around 5–5.5 feet (60–66")
• Standard bed: around 6–6.5 feet (72–78")
• Long bed: around 8 feet (96")

Inside width often ranges from roughly 50"–65", depending on model and whether you measure between the wheel wells or above them.

Because a standard king mattress is 76" × 80", it is usually longer than short beds and many standard beds, and wider than the narrowest bed widths.

So, Will a King Size Mattress Fit In a Truck Bed?

In many cases, you can fit a king mattress in a truck bed, but not flat with the tailgate closed.

Here’s what usually happens:

• Short bed (≈5–5.5 ft)
  A king mattress typically does not lie fully flat inside. One end will rest on the open tailgate or extend out the back.

• Standard bed (≈6–6.5 ft)
  A king still usually sticks out with the tailgate down, but you may have more support under the mattress.

• Long bed (≈8 ft)
  Lengthwise support is better, but the mattress is still wider than many beds. You’ll often need to angle it or let it sit partly above the rails.

💡 Key point: A king mattress often fits in some fashion (angled, partly on the tailgate, or standing on its side), but seldom fits fully inside with the tailgate shut.

Is It Safe to Transport a King Mattress in a Truck Bed?

It can be safe if you plan carefully. The main concerns are:

• Stability: An unsecured mattress can catch wind and shift or fly out.
• Protection: Exposed fabric can get torn, dirty, or wet.
• Visibility: An overhanging mattress may block taillights or license plates if not positioned well.

Basic safety tips:

• Use strong straps or rope, not just bungee cords.
• Secure the mattress at multiple points so it can’t lift or slide.
• Avoid driving at high speeds, especially on highways, when the mattress is exposed to wind.
• Keep the mattress in a cover or plastic bag if possible to protect it.

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

Whether you can bend a king mattress depends on its construction:

• All-foam or flexible hybrid mattresses
  Often can be bent slightly or carefully flexed for short periods, as long as you avoid sharp folds.

• Traditional innerspring mattresses
  Usually should not be sharply folded, as it may damage the springs or internal structure.

If you must flex the mattress:

• Avoid creasing it tightly or tying it in a folded position.
• Try to angle it rather than fully folding it in half.
• Keep it bent only for the shortest time necessary.

When in doubt, keeping the mattress as flat and gently curved as possible is usually safer than folding.

How Should I Position a King Mattress in a Truck Bed?

Here are common ways people position a king mattress:

• Flat with tailgate down

  • Mattress lies mostly in the bed, with part resting on the tailgate.
  • Secure it tightly so it doesn’t slide backward.

• Angled/diagonal

  • One corner near the front of the bed, opposite corner near the tailgate.
  • This sometimes helps when length and width are both tight.

• On its side against one bed wall

  • Works better if the bed is wide enough for the mattress height.
  • Secure it to side rails so it doesn’t tip over.

Choose the method that keeps the mattress most supported and least exposed to wind.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about “Will a King Size Mattress Fit In a Truck Bed”

• A standard king mattress is about 76" × 80"; a California king is about 72" × 84".
• Most short and standard truck beds cannot fully contain a king mattress with the tailgate closed.
• In many cases, a king mattress will fit with the tailgate down, often at an angle or partly above the rails.
• Proper strapping and protection (covers, plastic, padding) are important to avoid damage or safety issues.
• Innerspring mattresses generally should not be tightly folded; foam mattresses may be more flexible but still need care.
• Before loading, measure both your truck bed and your mattress to plan the safest positioning.

With a tape measure, a few straps, and some planning, you can usually find a practical way to get a king mattress from one place to another in a truck bed—even if it doesn’t fit perfectly inside.