Will a full size mattress fit in a full size SUV?
A standard full-size mattress measures 54 inches wide by 75 inches long. In most full-size SUVs, that mattress will not lie flat in the cargo area behind the seats, and whether it fits at all depends on the exact model and how aggressively you fold down the seating. Check your vehicle’s interior dimensions before attempting the haul.
To understand the practicality, it helps to break down typical interior space factors, assess your specific SUV, and consider alternative transport options if needed. The following sections outline the key measurements, practical loading steps, and model-dependent considerations that influence whether a full mattress can be moved in a full-size SUV.
Understanding space: key measurements to check in your SUV
Before you check specific numbers, note the factors that determine fit: width across the cargo area, length with seats folded, and whether your mattress can be rolled or folded. The list below highlights what to measure and compare in your vehicle.
- Mattress dimensions: 54 inches wide by 75 inches long (a full/double). This is the standard size you’ll be trying to accommodate.
- Cargo width: the distance between the interior side panels. In many full-size SUVs, this is roughly 50–54 inches, and the wheel wells can intrude, reducing usable width.
- Cargo length with seating folded: the available straight length from the tailgate to the back of the front seats. Many full-size SUVs offer around 75–100 inches of usable length when two rows are folded, depending on the model.
- Mattress type and packaging: traditional coil mattresses are not foldable, while some memory-foam mattresses can be rolled if they’re still in a compressible, sealed package. Always verify packaging flexibility before loading.
- Door and hatch opening: the gap you must fit through and any interior obstructions (trailing seats or trim) that can affect loading angle and maneuverability.
Conclusion: If your SUV’s interior width is significantly less than 54 inches and the available length is tight, a standard full mattress may not fit flat. Models with more generous cargo dimensions increase the chance of a fit, especially when seats are folded down.
Practical steps to transport a full mattress
These loading steps are designed to help you maximize available space and minimize risk of damage to the mattress or vehicle. Use the following guidance to plan the move.
- Fold down or remove the appropriate seating to maximize cargo length. Start with the second row and, if needed, the third row, to create the longest possible flat surface.
- Measure the actual cargo area before loading. Use a tape measure to verify the length from the tailgate to the back of the front seats and the width between interior panels.
- Evaluate orientation options. If a flat fit is unlikely, consider a diagonal orientation only if it leaves a safe, unobstructed path and does not press the mattress against windows or interior components.
- Assess mattress packaging. If the mattress is foam and can be rolled or vacuum-sealed, rolling it can create a more manageable shape for loading and securing.
- Use protective covers and towels to prevent scuffing, and bag the mattress if you anticipate moisture or dirt during transport.
- Secure the load with ratchet straps or bungee cords to prevent shifting while driving. Keep the tailgate closed and do not exceed vehicle weight limits or compromise visibility.
Conclusion: If your measurements line up with the mattress dimensions and you can secure the load safely, a full mattress may fit in a full-size SUV. If not, alternatives like a larger vehicle or a delivery option may be necessary.
Model-specific considerations
Large full-size SUVs (Suburban, Expedition, Tahoe, Armada)
These models generally offer the longest cargo paths when rows are folded, increasing the likelihood of accommodating a 75-inch mattress. A careful measurement of length and width in your specific trim is still essential, but many buyers find these vehicles more forgiving for mattress hauling than mid-size options.
Mid-size and compact SUVs
Smaller full-size SUVs or those with tighter second/third-row configurations typically provide less cargo length and narrower widths. In these vehicles, a 54×75 mattress is less likely to fit flat, and you’re more likely to need multiple trips, external transport, or a different vehicle.
Alternative options to consider
If measurements indicate a tight or impossible fit, you have practical alternatives: renting a cargo van or pickup truck for the move, using a mattress delivery service, or disassembling the move into two trips with a smaller mattress size (such as a twin or a split-king) that more readily fits your SUV layout.
Tip: Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or manufacturer specifications for precise cargo dimensions, payload limits, and recommended loading practices before attempting to haul a full mattress.
Summary
For most full-size SUVs, a standard 54×75-inch full mattress will not lie flat in the cargo area with the seats up, and fitment largely depends on the exact model and seating configuration. If you can fold down multiple rows and the interior width is close to or exceeds 54 inches, a mattress may fit, especially in larger full-size SUVs. Always measure your own space, account for wheel-well intrusions, consider mattress packaging, and secure the load properly. If measurements fall short, alternatives such as a larger vehicle or professional delivery are prudent options. A little planning goes a long way to a safe, damage-free move.
