Will a Queen Size Mattress Fit in a Minivan?

Let me guess: you're planning to move. And the mattress needs to come. Will it fit? Let's find out.

(Or are you one of those people that wants to sleep in their van, instead of pitching a tent, like us regular folks? That's okay: sleeping in your van can be amazingly comfortable and fast if the mattress fits. Especially if you make it into a queen size. If this is not you: good luck moving. Still, will a queen size mattress fit in a minivan?)

Time for a real answer. Want to get out of here and start moving as quickly as possible? Here you go:

Will a queen size mattres fit in a minivan? A queen size mattress won't fit in most passenger minivans. However, if you have a combi van - without passenger seats and trim in the back -, yes, it will fit easily. In some minivans it will only fit at an angle. It depends on the type of minivan and the type of mattress.

The long answer will be more complicated than you'd imagined it to be. It involves lots of measurements, creativity, ... and even science. I apologize in advance.

In Which Models Will it Fit?

It really depends on your model minivan. Let me first give you the overview:

• If you have a compact van without passenger seats: yes, a Queen mattress will most likely fit
• If you have a combi minivan L1 (short) model: no, a Queen size mattress won't fit.
• If you have an extended combi minivan (L2) with passenger seats in the back, a Queen size mattress still won't fit because of the trim.
• But if you can remove the passenger seats entirely: you can get the mattress in at an angle.

Now let's dive into some more detail.

What's the size of a queen mattress?

Generally, a queen size mattress is 60 in x 80 in, or 150 cm x 200 cm (H x L).

But it depends on where you're from. In some countries there are slight variations in the dimensions, so you should keep this in mind if you're moving a queen mattress in China for example.

• U.S. and Canada: 60" x 80" or 150cm x 200cm
• UK: 47" x 80" or 120cm x 200cm
• Brazil: 62" x 78" or 158cm x 198cm
• Australia and New-Zealand: 60" x 80" or 152cm x 203cm
• China: 72" x 74" or 182cm x 188cm
• Japan: 61" x 77" or 154cm x 195cm

In this article, we'll use the standard U.S. Queen mattress size, since this one is most prevalent.

The type of mattress also plays an important part. Foam mattresses are easy to compress and will fit easily in almost any compact van. Box spring mattresses carry springs, which make it impossible to compress. They won't fit if the van doesn't offer enough space. A good rule of thumb is: the greater the quality of the mattress, the more difficult to compress. So be aware of what type of mattress you have.

What's the size of a minivan load area?

Types of interior layouts

First, of, there are several types of minivans. A minivan, also called MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) or MUV (multi-utility vehicle), is considered a compact van with a high-roof and flexible interior layout. Most minivans have a sliding door for the cargo or passenger area.

The most common layouts are:

• compact van - an empty cargo area, just the two front seats
• double cab-in van - additional two flexible passenger seats, less cargo space
• combi - additional three flexible passenger seats, no cargo space

Naturally, the type of van dictates the amount of cargo space. With most minivans though, being a good multi-purpose vehicle, you can fold the rear seats or remove them entirely, creating loads of room for large items. But large enough for a mattress?

What type of minivan do I have?

If you don't know what type of minivan you have, there's an easy trick to find out. You simply check out the rear windows and amount of seats.

• If you only have front windows and 2 seats, you most likely have a compact van model.
• If you have just windows in the sliding door and 4 seats, you most likely have a double cab-in van model.
• If you have windows in the back all the way and 6+ seats, you most likely have a combi model.

Most people, when talking of a minivan, refer to a combi minivan - which can carry up to 7 people. This also means there's a lot of additional trim (more on this later on).

Sizes of minivans per layout

So, with that in mind, I'll give you the average dimensions for those three different layouts vans.

The average dimension of a minivans cargo area is (LxWxH):

• compact van: 87" x 59" x 49" - 2200mm x 1500mm x 1250mm
• combi and double cab-in van: 71" x 57" x 49" - 1800mm x 1450mm x 1250mm
• combi and double cab-in van extra long: 85" x 57" x 49" - 2150mm x 1450mm x 1250mm

So the mattress seems to fit rather well in compact vans, but not so well in combis and double cab-in vans, unless it's an L2 model.

It gets worse. These numbers are a bit deceiving since they don't account for the width of the wheel arches, which will definitely be in the way. More importantly, any combi type of layout will be completely lined and trimmed. We have to take into account the depth of the trim, which will be substantial (about the same depth as the wheel arches).

With luxury combi vans, the trim mostly lines up pretty much with the wheel arches. So instead of using the manufacturers' width, let's use the width between the wheel arches for this type of van.

• combi and double cab-in van width: 1150mm

All of a sudden the outlook changes entirely. The mattress will clearly not fit. Or can we still get it in?

You can try to get it in at an angle

If the trim of the van is in the way, we probably can still get it in at an angle.

In most minivans you can get in the mattress at an angle. Here's some good old science to prove it (I love geometry).

If the width is 1220mm, and the height is 1250mm, the diameter of the trunk is:

√(1220² + 1250²) = 1747mm

Meaning: yes, if you can use the full height of the minivan, you can fit in the mattress at an angle.

Though, if you cannot remove the rear seats (ie. you can just fold them), this may reduce your height by 40cm, meaning:

√(1220² + 750²) = 1432mm

Meaning: no, you can't fit in the mattress, even at an angle.

The width of the rear doors can be a real problem

Sometimes, the mattress will fit in the car just fine, but the rear doors aren't wide enough to push the mattress through. This will generally be a problem if your mattress is very stiff - it's, for example, a box spring - making it impossible to compress the mattress.

So, generally speaking, will it fit?

• A Queen mattress will most likely fit if you have a compact van without passenger seats.
• If you have a combi minivan L1 (short) model, the length of the cargo area won't fit a Queen size mattress.
• But even if you have an extended combi minivan with passenger seats (L2) in the back, a Queen size mattress still won't fit because of the trim.
• Unless you can remove the passenger seats entirely, which allows you to get it in at an angle.

How can I be victorious if it doesn't fit?

So your rear door is holding you back. Or your minivan just isn't big enough. You still have a couple of options to succeed. But you have to be a bit creative.

Vac Pac the thing

If the mattress isn't too stiff or doesn't have springs in it, you can vac pac it. You probably do need to create your own vacuum bag though (I couldn't find one large enough for a reasonable price) - or spend a pretty dime. However, it can be done, as Nik Sargent proves in this blog.

I suggest you use these Heavy Duty Mattress Bags (click to check current price on Amazon) - cheap, and suitable vac it using your vacuum cleaner.

I was kidding before. But if you have a foam mattress, this really is the way to go.

Tie the mattress to the roof

You can also tie the mattress on top of the minivan. This requires some attention to detail, as failing to tie it properly may result in dangerous situations and accidents. But it is a good option. Top tip: pack the mattress in a mattress bag. These babies only cost a couple of dollars, and it prevents you from using your mattress as a shuffle, getting all kinds of outdoor trouble inside your new bedroom.

This is best practice:

1. Roll down all you windows
2. Place a long piece of rope lengthwise
3. Place the mattress on top
4. Anyone who needs to be in the car while moving, get in now
5. String two pieces of rope through the windows, over the mattress, and tie together
6. Use the length wise rope to weave under and over the width wise ropes and tie firmly

Use good, thick rope that won't snap. Don't use the high way when you have a mattress on your car, it's not safe. Don't speed, drive slowly and keep distance. Use reinforcement if necessary, such as bungee cords and tape. Good luck!

Exact Interior Dimensions for Different Models

If you're looking for detailed dimensions of the interior of minivans, make sure to check out my articles on these:

• Ford Transit Connect
• RAM ProMaster City

If you have the Connect compact van model without trim in the back, it will fit from the L2 on. However, the L1 doesn't provide enough length for the entire mattress to fit in.

Related Questions

Will a queen mattress fit in a Dodge Caravan? The interior height of the Dodge Caravan is lower than most minivans, making it very difficult to get the mattress in at an angle. Also, most Caravans have rear passenger seats or trim. If you can take out the passenger seats and don't have any trim, the matress will fit.

Can you fit a king mattress in a minivan? A king mattress won't fit in most minivans. The size of a king-size mattress is roughly 76 inches wide by 80 inches. The load area of a minivan is on average 87" x 59" x 49" (or 2200mm x 1500mm x 1250mm). A king mattress is too wide for nearly all minivans, and it won't fit in an angle.

Can you fit a full-size mattress in a minivan? A full-size mattress will fit in most minivans. The size of a full-size mattress is on average 53" x 75". The load area of a minivan is approximately 87" x 59" x 49" (or 2200mm x 1500mm x 1250mm). However, some minivans have a lot of trim, making it more difficult to fit.

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