Will a Queen Mattress Fit In a Truck Bed? What to Know Before You Move It
If you’re planning to transport a mattress yourself, it’s natural to ask: “Will a Queen Mattress Fit In a Truck Bed?” The short answer is: sometimes yes, sometimes no — it depends on the truck bed size, the mattress type, and how you load it.
This FAQ walks through the key details so you can decide if your truck is up to the task and how to move your queen mattress safely.
What Are the Dimensions of a Queen Mattress?
Most standard queen mattresses measure 60 inches wide by 80 inches long.
Some variations you might encounter:
- Standard queen: 60" x 80"
- Olympic queen (less common): usually wider than a standard queen
- RV queen: can be shorter (often around 75" long)
For the question “Will a Queen Mattress Fit In a Truck Bed?”, the standard 60" x 80" size is usually what matters. Foam and hybrid mattresses can bend slightly, while traditional innerspring models are typically stiffer and less flexible, which affects how they load.
How Big Is a Typical Truck Bed?
Truck beds vary a lot by model and cab type, but they usually fall into three general categories:
- Short bed: about 5 to 5.5 feet long (60–66")
- Standard bed: about 6 to 6.5 feet long (72–78")
- Long bed: about 8 feet long (96")
Widths also vary, but many truck beds are about 60–65 inches wide between the sides, sometimes slightly less between the wheel wells.
Because a queen mattress is 80 inches long, whether it fits flat with the tailgate closed depends mostly on bed length.
So, Will a Queen Mattress Fit In a Truck Bed Flat?
In many cases, no, it will not fit completely flat with the tailgate closed, especially on short beds. Here’s a general guide:
| Truck Bed Type | Will Queen Fit Flat With Tailgate Closed? | Common Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Short bed | ❌ Usually no | Tailgate down, mattress overhanging |
| Standard bed | ⚠️ Often still too short | Tailgate down, angle mattress |
| Long bed | ✅ Often yes | Can often lie flat inside bed |
Because a standard queen is 80" long:
- Short and standard beds: mattress will usually hang off the end unless the tailgate is down and supporting it.
- Long beds (8 ft): often do fit a queen mattress flat, sometimes with a little room to spare.
However, even when it “fits,” you still need to secure it properly.
Can I Transport a Queen Mattress With the Tailgate Down?
Yes, many people transport a queen mattress with the tailgate down. When you’re asking, “Will a Queen Mattress Fit In a Truck Bed?”, it often really means, “Can I move it safely with my truck, even if the tailgate is down?”
If you do this:
- Center the mattress so weight is evenly distributed.
- Let a small portion extend past the tailgate if needed, as long as it is firmly supported.
- Use strong straps or rope to secure the mattress in multiple places (front to back and side to side).
- Check local rules about items extending beyond the bed; some areas require flags or reflectors on overhanging loads.
Is It Safe to Stand the Mattress Up in the Truck Bed?
Some people stand a queen mattress on its side against the truck bed wall. This can sometimes solve length issues, but it introduces other concerns:
- A tall mattress can catch the wind, especially at higher speeds.
- If not strapped tightly, it may shift or tip.
- Foam mattresses may bow or flex more than innerspring ones.
If you choose this method, use multiple tie-down points and check that the mattress does not move when you push it from different directions before driving.
How Should I Measure to Be Sure It Fits?
To get a clear answer to “Will a Queen Mattress Fit In a Truck Bed?” for your exact vehicle, measure:
- Bed length (with tailgate up and down)
- Bed width between the walls and between the wheel wells
- Mattress dimensions (length, width, and approximate thickness)
Then compare:
- If the bed (with tailgate down) is at least as long as 80", the mattress can usually lie flat with support.
- If the width is close to 60", expect a snug fit or a slight angle.
- For very short beds, you may need to angle the mattress so one corner is closer to the cab and the opposite corner rests on the tailgate.
How Do I Protect the Mattress While Transporting It?
Even if the answer to “Will a Queen Mattress Fit In a Truck Bed?” is yes, you still want to keep it clean and undamaged:
- Use a mattress bag or plastic cover to protect from dirt, water, and road debris.
- Avoid folding a mattress sharply, especially coil or hybrid designs, which may not be intended to bend.
- Place a blanket or moving pad under the mattress to prevent scuffs and punctures from the truck bed.
- Drive at moderate speeds, especially if the mattress is standing up or partly overhanging.
✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways
Key points consumers should understand about “Will a Queen Mattress Fit In a Truck Bed”
- A standard queen mattress is 60" x 80"; this is longer than most short and standard truck beds.
- Long truck beds are the most likely to fit a queen mattress flat with the tailgate closed.
- With the tailgate down, many trucks can carry a queen mattress, but it may overhang slightly.
- Always measure your truck bed and mattress before transporting to avoid surprises.
- Use covers, blankets, and sturdy straps to protect and secure the mattress during the drive.
- Foam mattresses often flex more easily, while innerspring models may be stiffer and harder to angle or bend.
With a few quick measurements and proper tie-downs, most people can safely move a queen mattress in a truck bed, even if it doesn’t fit perfectly flat with the tailgate closed.
