What Size Mattress Fits in a Truck Bed?
With the new trend of DIY campers, many truck owners are starting to convert their truck beds into a bed. While blankets and a mat usually suffice for a few days, you may want to look into something longer term, like a mattress. But, what size of mattress should you get?
You will want a twin, full or queen-size foam mattress for a truck bed. You can cut a foam mattress to size for the bed of your truck. The size of a mattress you choose depends on the width and length of your truck bed. An innerspring twin mattress or a full air mattress will also fit in the bed.
In this article, we will discuss how to choose the best mattress size to fit in the back of your truck. We also teach you how to measure your truck bed so that you have an idea of what to look for! Let’s get started.
What Size Mattress Will Fit in a Truck Bed?
A full or “double” size mattress will fit in nearly any truck bed and is an excellent sleeping choice for two people.
A full size is 54 inches wide by 75 inches long. If necessary, a full-size all-foam mattress can be simply reduced to suit a short truck bed with a pair of scissors.
On the other hand, a full XL mattress will fit in an enlarged truck bed, and it will give taller people an extra 5 inches of length. A full XL fits perfectly in a conventional truck bed when the tailgate is down.
Does a Queen Size Mattress Fit in a Truck Bed?
In a typical truck bed, a queen-size mattress will not fit. A queen will fit in some extended truck beds, but you should double-check the width and length.
A queen mattress is 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. To measure, take the space between your wheel arches and the length of your truck’s bed from top to bottom.
However, it is worth noting that an all-foam mattress compresses and can fit in spaces significantly smaller than just its footprint.
Will a Full Size Mattress Fit in a Truck Bed?
A full, queen or king-sized mattress will not fit flat in the bed of the truck due to the wheel wells. First, slide your mattress and boxspring as far to the left as feasible into the truck bed. Depending on the type of mattress, you may be able to wedge it in.
Or, if you have a wider truck bed, then you may be able to get a twin and full mattress to fit flat, but a queen or king will not.
Will a King Size Mattress Fit in a Truck Bed?
A king-size mattress will not lay flat in your truck bed. If you’re simply looking to haul the mattress, you will be able to set it on its side and lean against the edge of the truck bed.
However, you will need to strap it down to ensure that it does not bounce out while trying to transport it.
How Do You Measure Your Truck Bed for a Mattress?
You’ll need to estimate the length and width of your truck bed to choose a mattress that fits appropriately. The space between the innermost points of each wheel well is used to calculate the width.
The length is calculated by measuring the distance from the top of the covers to the bottom of the tailgate.
Follow the steps below to get an idea of how big your truck bed is:
- Find your anchor point. Place your tape measure against the truck bed’s bulkhead.
- Find your endpoint. Extend the tape measure along your bed rail to the inner border of the edge of your tailgate. Make a note of the inch measurement.
- Do the math. To get the length of your bed of the truck in feet, multiply the number of inches by 12.
Are All Truck Beds the Same Width?
What is the width of a pickup truck bed? The length and diameter of the truck’s pickup bed will differ depending on the model.
In general, the wider the truck bed is, the longer it is. The average length of a pickup truck bed is between 49 and 65 inches.
What Are the Different Types of Truck Bed Mattresses?
People are starting to convert their vans, SUVs, cars, and yes, even trucks into mini-campers. Trying to sleep in the cab of a truck with more than one person is nearly impossible. Therefore, people are converting their truck beds into beds.
So, what is the best type of mattress to put into your truck bed? That depends on your personal preferences. Below are a few different mattresses that work the best in truck beds.
Innerspring
Although this is the most well-known, there are various options for outfitting your truck bed. Because of the length of the springs inside, they’re less comfy, and many versions are of poor quality.
They’re also bulky and heavy, making them tough to transport on a truck bed. However, if you want something quick and something that is not an airbed, innerspring is the way to go.
Air Mattress
Air mattresses are convenient because you can decompress them and take them with you wherever you go, and they’re a standard option for truck beds.
However, there is a problem: What if it gets a puncture? It’s no longer usable. Inflatable mattresses are also less sturdy than traditional mattresses.
The other problem is that every time one person moves or turns over, the other person will feel it and may even wake up; sleep quality is likely to be poor. However, if you’re sleeping alone, this might be an ideal choice.
Foam Truck Mattress
This material is ideal since it can be custom-made to meet your truck bed dimensions. It’s also compacted and rolled, making unfurling it in your truck a breeze.
Foam mattresses are incredibly supportive and retain these qualities for a long time after purchase. They’re small, lightweight, and easy to transport, and they’ll fit neatly in your truck bed. In addition, they are far comfier than an inflatable mattress.
Look for an Indentation Load Deflection value when purchasing foam mattresses (ILD or IFD). It should be in the range of 23-26. A greater IFD denotes firmness, whereas a lower IFD indicates a softer, less supportive surface.
Things to Consider When Putting a Mattress in Your Truck
When it comes to sleeping in your vehicle, there are several possibilities, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages:
- Usage: How often are you planning to sleep on this mattress? How long do you think it’ll have to last? If you plan to sleep on this mattress for several nights in a row or if you want it to last a long time, we recommend staying away from the low-cost mattresses. These low-cost mattresses are designed for infrequent use and will not last as long as higher-end mattresses.
- Do you have enough room to put the mattress up when it’s not in use? If you wish, you can choose one of the more oversized mattresses; if not, you should select one of the inflatable mattresses, which are simple to store when not in use.
- Material: Do you require a “real” mattress, or can you get by with a pad or an air mattress? Each bed has a distinct feel, so it’s crucial to understand your sleeping preferences.
What Size Of Mattress Should I Choose For My Truck Bed?
The size of mattress you choose for your truck bed will ultimately depend on how large your truck bed is. If you have a smaller bed, you will want to go with a twin size mattress.
But regardless of the size, again, a foam mattress will allow you to cut it to fit the bed of your truck. So while this may cost a bit more money, you’re saving yourself from lost sleep and uncomfortable positions! It’s worthwhile.
Heather is a passionate writer who loves anything DIY. Growing up, she learned everything from home repairs to design, and wants to share her tips with you. When she's not writing, she's usually hiking or searching for her next DIY project.
More by Heather Robbins
![Finishing Basement Without Permit [Is It Really Illegal?]](https://cdn-fastly.upgradedhome.com/media/2023/07/31/9070078/finishing-basement-without-permit-is-it-really-illegal.jpg?size=350x220)
![10 Best Zero Turn Mowers – [2022 Reviews & Ultimate Buyer's Guide]](https://cdn-fastly.upgradedhome.com/media/2023/07/31/9070522/10-best-zero-turn-mowers-2022-reviews-ultimate-buyer-s-guide.jpg?size=350x220)
