There’s nothing quite like the RV life. Go where you want, when you want — the freedom of the open road and all the adventures along the way. Whether it’s just for the weekend or for the autumn years of your life, whatever your RV goals are, we applaud you!
The thing with RVing is that there are a lot of little things to consider — what to pack, how to pack it all in and so on. One problem people encounter after a night or two on the road is that the RV mattress they’ve been sleeping on is terrible. Old, thin, and flimsy and suddenly your dream of driving across the country is severely hampered by a series of terrible night sleeps.
Choosing the best RV mattress is a decision not to be taken lightly. It can honestly make or break the entire experience.
You may or may not know that those thin and flimsy mattresses were probably installed with a specific strategy in mind. You see, it’s all about weight. Every ounce counts when it comes to hauling a vehicle and all it contains around. Manufacturers work hard to keep the weight as low as possible in order to increase fuel economy and keep the cost for the consumer.
You also may or may not know that your local mattress store carries a variety of mattresses that can be perfect for RVs. We are assuming you are at a point in life where you are not simply throwing a foam pad in the back of a truck bed, but you are ready for some comforts in life.
3 Tips for Choosing the Right RV Mattress
1. RV Mattress Size
The first thing you will have to do is measure your space. Some RV beds are similar to standard bed sizes, while others are not. You may encounter phrases like “three-quarter queen” (48 x 75 inches instead of the typical 60 x 80”) and “queen short” (60 x 75 inches). Even RV king-sized beds are often slightly narrower than a standing king.
2. Pick Right Mattress Shop
The next thing will be to visit a trusted mattress shop with your measurements to talk about what your options are. If you have a very specific type of mattress at home that you can’t live without, we know the feeling!
3. Extra Mattress Toppers
Choosing the best RV mattress takes some effort, but it’s worth it. Depending on your situation, you may want to order a custom mattress. And you can also consider things like mattress toppers, which can really make a world of difference on a mattress that is otherwise not great. And never underestimate the power of high-quality linens and blankets. There is nothing like waking up under high thread count sheets, even when you are “roughing it.”
Remember that a good sleep on the right mattress in your RV will pay off since you are going to be sitting as the driver or passenger for possibly many hours at a time. A sore back and body can ruin the experience. Life on the road should be as (pain-)free as can be!