How to Measure a Caravan Mattress Correctly (Without Taking It Out)
How to Measure a Caravan Mattress Correctly
Ordering custom caravan or motorhome bedding? Accurate measurements make all the difference. The good news is, you usually do not need to remove your mattress to measure it properly.
Quick Measuring Checklist
- Measure the mattress, not the bed base
- Measure the length
- Measure the widest width
- Measure the narrowest width if the mattress tapers
- Measure the depth, including any topper
- Take a photo if the shape is unusual
Step 1: Identify Your Bed Shape
Caravan and motorhome mattresses are rarely standard. Before measuring, check which bed shape you have.
Island Bed
Accessed from both sides, often wider at the head and narrower at the foot.
Left Hand French Bed
A shaped mattress with a cut-off corner on the left-hand side.
Right Hand French Bed
A shaped mattress with a cut-off corner on the right-hand side.
Rectangle Bed
A standard rectangular mattress with no cut-off corners or tapering.
Single Bed
Usually found as fixed single beds in caravans and motorhomes.
Single-to-Double Bed
Often made up from seating cushions, usually needing multiple bedding pieces.
Step 2: Measure the Length
Measure from the head of the mattress to the foot of the mattress. Always measure the actual mattress, not the wooden or plastic bed base underneath.
If your mattress is shaped or tapered, measure the longest point.
Step 3: Measure the Width
Measure across the widest part of the mattress. For island beds or tapered mattresses, you should measure both the widest point and the narrowest point.
Head width = 137cm
Foot width = 105cm
Step 4: Measure the Mattress Depth
This is one of the most commonly missed measurements. Measure from the top sleeping surface down to the underside of the mattress.
If you use a mattress topper, include this in the depth measurement.
Mattress depth = 15cm
Topper depth = 5cm
Total depth required = 20cm
Step 5: Check Any Cut-Off Corners or Curves
French beds and corner beds often have shaped sections. Measure the straight sections first, then the cut-off section. A clear photograph can also be very helpful if you are unsure.
Common Measuring Mistakes
Measuring the bed base
The bed base is often larger than the mattress. Always measure the mattress itself.
Forgetting the topper
If the topper stays on the bed, it needs to be included in your depth measurement.
Guessing the size
Even the same caravan model can vary between years, so it is always better to check.
Using online measurements only
Internet measurements are helpful, but your own mattress is the one that matters.
Do You Need to Remove the Mattress?
Usually, no. Most caravan and motorhome mattresses can be measured accurately while still in place. You may only need to lift or move the mattress slightly if the shape is difficult to see.
Why Accurate Measurements Matter
Accurate measurements help your bedding fit properly, stay in place and look neater on the bed. A few minutes spent measuring now can prevent frustration later.
Need Help Measuring?
Send us your caravan or motorhome make, model and year, along with a clear photograph of your mattress. We hold measurements for thousands of leisure vehicles and will happily guide you.
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