RV King & Short King Sizes — Know Before You Order
Before you order anything, let's clear up a common source of confusion. "RV King" and "RV Short King" aren't single standardized sizes — there are actually several variations, and ordering the wrong one means you'll have a mattress that doesn't fit.
| Size Name | Width | Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| RV King | 72" | 80" | Most common RV King size |
| RV King | 70" | 80" | 2" narrower variant, also common |
| RV King | 70" | 74" | Shorter and narrower variant |
| RV Short King | 72" | 75" | Same width as RV King, 5" shorter |
| Standard King | 76" | 80" | Too wide for most RV slides |
The most common RV King sizes are 72×80 and 70×80. The 2-inch width difference exists because RV manufacturers aren't standardized — some bedroom slides are designed around 72 inches, others around 70 inches.
You'll also see 70×74 in some rigs where both width and length are constrained. And 72×75 (RV Short King) shows up in fifth wheels and travel trailers where length is more limited than width.
Measure your platform before ordering. Don't assume you have a 72×80 just because someone called it an "RV King." The only way to know is to measure — length on both sides, width at head, middle, and foot.
Good news: Most retailers listed below offer multiple RV King sizes (72×80, 70×80, 70×74, and 72×75). You're not limited to one option — just make sure you select the right dimensions when ordering.
What Is an RV King Mattress?
An RV King is any king-sized mattress designed to fit RV bedroom slides — typically 70-72 inches wide and 74-80 inches long. Standard residential Kings (76×80) are too wide for most RV slides, so RV manufacturers use narrower dimensions that allow the slide mechanism to operate and leave room for built-in nightstands or closet doors.
You'll find RV King beds primarily in:
- Class A motorhomes — Winnebago, Thor, Fleetwood, Newmar, Tiffin
- Fifth wheels — Grand Design Solitude/Reflection, Keystone Montana, Heartland Bighorn, Forest River Cedar Creek
- Luxury diesel pushers — Higher-end motorhomes often have RV King or larger master bedrooms
From the RV mattresses we pick up, the RV King is less common than the Short Queen but shows up regularly from larger rigs. When these mattresses come through our facility, they follow the same pattern as other RV sizes — the stock mattresses are almost always destroyed within a few years, while quality replacements can last 15-20 years.
The Problem With Stock RV King Mattresses
The stock mattress that came with your RV was probably the cheapest thing the manufacturer could install. I've torn apart hundreds of them. Low-density foam — sometimes under 1.5 lb/ft³ — with a thin quilted cover and not much else.
These mattresses either provide inadequate support from day one or break down within a year or two of regular use. For full-timers or anyone taking extended trips, the stock mattress becomes a problem fast.
The good news: because 72×80 is a common enough RV size, most quality mattress manufacturers offer it. You're not stuck with "RV-specific" mattresses from companies that only make RV products. You can get the same mattresses people sleep on at home, just in a size that fits your rig.
Where to Buy an RV King Mattress Online
Online is where you'll find the best selection for RV King mattresses. These retailers either specialize in RV sizes or are established mattress manufacturers that offer multiple RV King dimensions (72×80, 70×80, 70×74). Most let you select your exact size during checkout.
RVMattress.com by Brooklyn Bedding
4 Mattresses Available in RV King (72×80, 70×80, 70×74)
Brooklyn Bedding manufactures their own mattresses in Phoenix, Arizona. They've been making mattresses since 1995 and own their factory, so they can produce RV sizes without huge markups.
In my opinion, this is the best quality for your money in the RV mattress space — specifically because they have their own in-house factory. I've personally tested multiple Brooklyn Bedding mattresses (see my teardown page) and consistently find solid construction and quality materials.
MattressInsider.com
Mattress Insider has been making custom-size mattresses in Colorado since 2008. They specialize in RV, truck, boat, and odd-size mattresses, so RV King is a standard offering — not a special order.
Available in: 72×80, 70×80, 70×74, 72×75, plus custom sizes
Their RV lineup includes the Elation (entry-level cooling gel foam, from $309), Luxury (extra memory foam contouring, from $479), Scarsdale Luxury (hybrid with organic cotton quilt and encased coils, from $609), and Luxury Adventure Max (premium hybrid with heavy-duty coil support and temperature-regulating cover, from $697). All models come with firmness options and custom shape capabilities — corner cuts, radius corners, and hinged construction for under-bed storage access.
Wilderness RV Mattress
A family-owned company out of Florida that focuses specifically on RV mattresses. They offer three tiers plus a bunk option.
Their lineup includes the Canyon (entry-level, from $369), Aspen (mid-range, from $523), and Montana Hybrid (flagship hybrid with pocketed coils, from $699 — available in plush, soft pillowtop, or firm). They also make Dream Bunk mattresses for RV bunks. Custom shapes and corner cuts available through their online builder.
Tochta
Tochta is based in Southern California and specializes in custom RV and truck mattresses. What sets them apart is their online mattress builder — you can enter your exact dimensions, specify corner cuts, and get an instant price quote without calling anyone.
Their lineup includes the Journey (3-layer gel memory foam, from $479), Utopia (their most popular — 4-layer with latex transition layer for bounce, from $653), and Divini (dual-zone with 9 firmness levels per side, from $1,195). All models available with custom sizing and hinged construction options. CertiPUR-US certified foams, made in the USA.
Custom Mattress Factory
A North Carolina manufacturer that makes handcrafted mattresses. They're transparent about their custom pricing — corner cuts are $25 each, hinges are $150 extra.
RV King (72×80) mattresses available:
Website: custommattressfactory.com
SleepDog Mattress
An RV-focused brand that offers mattresses specifically designed for the RV environment. They emphasize temperature regulation and durability for the conditions RVs experience.
Website: sleepdogmattress.com
Amazon
Amazon has RV King options, but you need to be careful. Many listings labeled "RV King" are actually RV Short King (72×75) — always verify the actual dimensions in the product specifications before ordering.
Verified 72×80 options include Brooklyn Bedding products (Signature, Aurora) and various smaller brands in the $300-600 range. Read reviews carefully — some confirm whether dimensions match what's advertised.
Warning: Always verify actual dimensions in product specs. Many "RV King" listings are actually RV Short King (72×75).
Where to Buy In-Store
Finding an RV King in a physical store is harder than finding standard sizes, but you have options.
Denver Mattress
Denver Mattress (sold through Furniture Row locations) manufactures RV mattresses at their Denver factory. They carry what they call "Narrow King" (72×80) in several models.
The advantage here is you can try mattresses in the showroom. The feel will be identical in the RV King size — only the dimensions change.
90+ locations across 30 states.
Find locations: denvermattress.furniturerow.com
Camping World
Camping World carries RV mattresses in their retail locations and online. They stock several brands in RV King including Thomas Payne (by Lippert) and their house brand Cozyway.
Important: Camping World's mattresses are non-returnable once you open the packaging. This is stricter than online retailers who offer trial periods. Make sure you're confident in your measurements before buying.
200+ locations nationwide.
Find locations: campingworld.com
Local Mattress Factories
Many regions have local mattress factories that can make custom sizes including 72×80. Search "[your city] custom mattress factory" and call to ask about RV sizes.
These shops can often:
- Match specific firmness preferences
- Do corner cuts and custom shapes
- Let you feel materials before ordering
- Build exactly what you want
Pricing varies widely, but you're dealing directly with the people making your mattress.
RV Dealership Parts Departments
Your RV dealer's parts department may stock replacement mattresses or can order them. This is often more expensive than buying direct, but some people prefer working through their dealer.
Custom Corners and Shapes
Many RV King beds aren't simple rectangles. Depending on your rig's layout, you might need:
- Radius corners — Rounded edges to fit curved RV walls (common in front-cap bedrooms)
- Notched corners — L-shaped cuts for posts or built-in furniture
- Angled cuts — For wheel wells or door clearance
- Hinged construction — Allows the mattress to fold for under-bed storage access
Who handles custom shapes:
- Tochta — Online builder lets you specify corners without calling
- MattressInsider — Specializes in custom RV shapes
- Custom Mattress Factory — $25 per corner cut, $150 for hinges
- Wilderness RV Mattress — Custom shapes available
A Warning About Custom Orders
Custom-cut mattresses are almost always non-returnable. Once a company cuts corners or makes a non-standard configuration, they can't sell that mattress to anyone else if you return it.
We pick up brand-new custom RV mattresses from people who measured wrong. Common mistakes:
- Measuring the old compressed mattress instead of the bed platform
- Getting notch dimensions wrong
- Not accounting for height clearance with overhead cabinets
- Confusing RV King (72×80) with RV Short King (72×75)
Measure your platform, not your old mattress. Measure length on both sides (they're not always equal). Check width at the head, middle, and foot. And if you need custom corners, measure precisely and confirm with the manufacturer before ordering.
What to Look For in an RV King Mattress
Based on what I've seen coming through our recycling facility, here's what separates mattresses that last from ones that fall apart:
Foam Density
The base foam density matters more than almost anything else. Look for:
- Support foam: 1.8 lb/ft³ minimum, 2.0+ is better
- Memory foam comfort layers: 4.0 lb/ft³ or higher
Low-density foam (under 1.5 lb/ft³) starts showing body impressions within months. We see it constantly.
Coil Quality (for Hybrids)
If you're buying a hybrid, the coil unit matters:
- 14-gauge or thicker wire holds up better than 15-18 gauge
- Pocketed coils isolate motion and conform to your body better than connected coils
- Coil count matters less than coil quality
Temperature Considerations
RVs experience temperature swings that homes never see. If you're considering memory foam, understand that it's heat-sensitive — it softens when warm and firms up when cold. In an RV that might be 90°F when you arrive and 55°F overnight, memory foam will feel different throughout your trip.
Latex, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses maintain more consistent feel across temperature changes. For a full comparison, see my memory foam vs latex guide.
Thickness
Make sure your new mattress will fit. Measure from your platform to any overhead cabinets or slide mechanisms. Most RV owners do well with 8-12 inches, but some rigs have clearance issues that require thinner mattresses.
RV King Bedding and Accessories
Sheets
Standard King sheets (76×80) are 4 inches too wide and will bunch or slip. California King fitted sheets (72×84) are the same width but 4 inches longer — they work better but have extra length to tuck.
For a proper fit, search "RV King sheets 72x80" on Amazon. Several brands make purpose-built RV King sheet sets.
Mattress Protectors
Search "72x80 mattress protector" on Amazon. Waterproof protection matters in RVs where humidity and condensation can be issues.
Toppers
If you want to adjust the feel of your mattress, 72×80 toppers are available. But here's my honest take: if your RV mattress needs a topper to be comfortable, you probably need a new mattress. Toppers don't fix a broken-down support system.
What to Do With Your Old Mattress
When your new RV King arrives, you're stuck figuring out what to do with the old one.
RV mattresses are awkward to dispose of. They don't fit in most vehicles. Donation centers often won't take odd sizes. And if you're traveling, your options are even more limited.
Need Your Old Mattress Removed?
Getting rid of an RV mattress can be tricky. I've put together a complete guide to your disposal and recycling options.
See Your Options →Frequently Asked Questions
What size is an RV King mattress?
RV King mattresses come in several sizes: 72×80 (most common), 70×80, and 70×74. All are narrower than a standard King (76×80) to fit RV bedroom slides. Always measure your platform to confirm which size you need.
Is RV King the same as RV Short King?
No. RV King is 72×80. RV Short King is 72×75 — same width but 5 inches shorter. Always measure your platform before ordering.
Why can't I use a regular King mattress in my RV?
A standard King is 76 inches wide. Most RV bedroom slides are designed around the 72-inch width. A standard King either won't fit at all or will interfere with slide operation and built-in furniture.
Can I use California King sheets on an RV King?
California King sheets are 72×84 — same width as RV King but 4 inches longer. They'll fit better than standard King sheets, just tuck the extra length at the foot.
How long should an RV King mattress last?
With quality materials and occasional use (weekend trips, vacations), 15-20 years is realistic. With full-time use, expect 8-12 years from a quality mattress. Stock RV mattresses often don't make it past 3-5 years regardless of use.
About This Guide
