A good night’s sleep sets the tone for your whole trip. In an RV, though, inches matter. A mattress that is five inches too long can block a closet door, scrape a slide, or make it impossible to walk around the bed.
Pick the right size and thickness, and suddenly the bedroom feels bigger, the bedding fits, and morning routines run smoothly. This guide breaks down Short Queen versus Standard Queen in plain terms, then walks you through a no‑guesswork measuring process so you buy once and sleep better for years.
You will also find a quick checklist of build features that work well in RVs, from ventilation to weight and safety labels.
Short Queen vs Standard Queen at a glance
For most RV bedrooms, the question is simple: a Short Queen or a Standard Queen? If you are shopping a mattress for camper queen setups, the size you choose determines whether slide mechanisms clear, doors shut, and your toes have room at the foot.
Dimensions
- Short Queen: typically 60 x 75 inches. It keeps full queen width but trims length to fit compact floor plans.
- Standard Queen: 60 x 80 inches. This is the residential queen you see in most homes and hotels.
How to decide
- Choose Short Queen if your bed platform or slide length is tight, if cabinet doors sit near the foot, or if you need extra walkway around the mattress.
- Choose Standard Queen if you have the full 80 inches of clear platform and you or your sleeping partner are tall and want the extra legroom.
What about thickness? In RVs, 6 to 10 inches total height is common, especially under overhead cabinets or bed‑lift platforms. Thicker models feel plush, but they can pinch clearance or add weight. Start with what the space allows, then select materials and firmness.
How to measure your RV bed the right way
Set ten minutes aside, grab a tape, and follow these steps. The goal is to confirm length, width, corner shape, thickness room, and anything that could rub when slides move.
- Strip it to the platform
Remove bedding and any toppers so you can see the platform edges or the retaining lip. If the mattress currently overhangs, note where it does.
- Measure usable length and width
- Measure length from the head stop to the very end of the platform or to the inside of the retaining lip. Do not assume the mattress can hang past the lip, especially in slide rooms.
- Measure width in two places, near the head and the foot, in case cabinetry or walls taper.
- Write the numbers down as platform size, not mattress size. Mattresses should be slightly smaller than the platform so sheets tuck and nothing rubs.
- Check slide‑out clearance, in and out
If your bed sits on a slide, extend the slide fully, then retract it. Watch for points where the mattress could touch trim, a dresser, or a door. If you are upgrading from Short Queen to Standard Queen, confirm that the extra five inches do not interfere when the slide closes. A simple trick is to place painter’s tape on the platform to mark the proposed footprint and test the slide cycle.
- Confirm corner shape and radius
Many RV platforms use rounded or cut corners so doors can close. To measure a corner radius without math, place two rulers or a carpenter’s square along the straight edges that meet at the corner. Where the rulers stop against the curve, measure the gap to the corner along one edge. That number is your radius. Note which corners are rounded and list each radius. If a corner is chamfered, measure the straight cut instead.
- Measure vertical clearance and thickness limit
- If you have overhead cabinets or a window valance at the head, measure from the platform to the lowest obstruction. Subtract an inch for bedding and you have your maximum mattress height.
- If the bed lifts on gas struts, measure the under‑bed storage height to ensure the new mattress does not jam the lift when closed.
- Account for hardware and overhangs
Check for hinges, latches, reading lights, and sharp trim near the foot and sides. Note any overhangs at the footboard that could snag a taller mattress.
- Weigh the weight
RV bed platforms and struts have limits. If you are moving from a 6 inch foam build to a tall hybrid with coils, expect a weight jump. Heavier beds can stress lifts and make the platform harder to raise. If in doubt, favor medium profiles and lighter core constructions.
- Plan the path in
Measure the entry door and hallway turns. If rigid innerspring frames will not fit, choose a mattress that ships compressed and boxed so you can carry it inside and let it expand in place.
Pros and cons of each size
Short Queen, 60 x 75
Pros
- Easier fit in slide rooms and compact bedrooms
- More walkway at the foot, better access to wardrobes and bathrooms
- Lighter overall, which helps bed‑lift hardware and keeps weight down
Cons
- Five inches less legroom
- Sheets labeled “Short Queen” can be less common in local stores, though standard queen sheets with straps often work
Standard Queen, 60 x 80
Pros
- Full residential length for taller sleepers
- Easier to find bedding in any store
Cons
- Needs a full 80-inch platform and slide clearance
- Added weight and bulk in tight rooms
Bottom line
You do not need to guess. Measure the platform, test your slide travel, trace any rounded corners, and set a realistic thickness and weight target.
If the platform or slide clearance is tight, a Short Queen preserves walkways and cabinet access without sacrificing width. If the room truly supports the full 80 inches, a Standard Queen feels like home and makes bedding a breeze.
The right size is the one that fits your footprint and your daily routine, not just the name on the box. Get the numbers on paper, double-check them, and you will land on a mattress that turns every stop into a comfortable night’s sleep.
