Will a queen size mattress fit in a Ford Transit Connect?

The short answer: in most configurations, a standard queen mattress will not fit through the rear doors of a Ford Transit Connect or lie flat in its cargo space. The longer answer explains why, what to measure, and what loading options exist for movers and homeowners.

Understanding the space: key measurements

To assess fit, compare the mattress dimensions to the van’s cargo space. The figures below reflect typical current-generation Transit Connect cargo vans, but exact numbers vary by model year and wheelbase. Always measure your specific vehicle before attempting a move.

Before listing the essential measurements, note that the queen mattress is 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. The Transit Connect’s cargo area is approximately 105 to 106 inches long, with interior width constrained by wheel wells to roughly 49 to 50 inches in most configurations. Rear door openings are typically around 49 to 50 inches wide, and interior height is in the low-to-mid 50s inches. These dimensions are the core reason a standard queen often won’t pass through the doors in one piece.

• Queen mattress dimensions: 60" wide x 80" long


• Transit Connect cargo length (approximate): 105–106"


• Width between wheel wells (usable interior width): ~49–50"


• Rear door opening width: ~49–50"


• Interior height: ~52–56"

Taken together, these measurements imply that the mattress cannot be fed through the rear doors in one piece, and the width between the wheel wells is narrower than a queen’s width. While the length is long enough, the doorway and mid-vehicle width create a loading bottleneck.

Loading scenarios: what works and what doesn’t

These loading realities help explain how people actually move a queen mattress with a Transit Connect. The options below are common but each comes with constraints.

• Load through the rear doors as a single piece: generally not feasible due to door width being narrower than 60" for most configurations.


• Load diagonally inside the cargo area: theoretically possible if you could get the mattress through the opening first; in practice, the door width often prevents insertion, even if a diagonal could fit inside.


• Disassemble or use a split mattress option: possible if you have a split-queen or two-piece mattress (or foam that can be rolled/assembled on site). This is a practical workaround for many moves.


• Use two smaller mattresses (e.g., two twins or a full + twin): often easier to fit through doors and into the cargo space, then arrange inside.


• Remove or fold seats (if applicable) and/or employ a slide ramp or dolly: can help with maneuvering, but does not change the door opening constraint.

In short, the door opening width is the gating factor. Even though the interior length is long enough, the 49–50 inch doorway typically prevents a standard queen from entering intact. Diagonal loading is often not practical because you still must get the mattress through the narrow rear opening.

Practical loading options and recommendations

If you must move a queen mattress using a Transit Connect, consider these strategies to minimize hassle and risk to the mattress.

• Opt for a split-queen mattress or two pieces: a mattress that comes in two halves can be loaded separately and assembled on site.


• Choose smaller components: two twin or one full mattress are more likely to fit through the doorway and into the cargo area.


• Use a foam mattress that can be rolled or compressed: some memory-foam toppers or mattresses can be rolled for transport, then expanded at the destination.


• Rent a larger vehicle for the move: if you frequently transport full-size beds, a full-size van or box truck may save time and reduce risk.


• Plan loading times with help and protective tape: have blankets or moving blankets ready to protect the mattress and avoid door frame damage during maneuvering.

Each option has trade-offs in cost, time, and convenience, so weigh the frequency of moves and the importance of a single-vehicle solution before deciding.

Summary

Bottom line: for a standard queen mattress, a Ford Transit Connect will typically not allow loading through the rear doors in one piece due to door width and wheel-well constraints. Length alone is not the limiting factor; the doorway and cross-section are. If you must move a queen, consider a split-queen, two smaller mattresses (twins or full), a foam that can be rolled, or a larger vehicle for easier, safer transport.

Will a queen size mattress fit in a van?

Yes, a queen mattress can fit in a cargo van, especially a medium-sized one, but it will likely need to be tilted or angled to fit through the doors and inside. While a standard queen mattress is unlikely to fit in a minivan, a cargo van is a common and effective solution for transporting one. 
Tips for fitting a queen mattress in a van

• Use a cargo van: A medium or standard-sized cargo van is your best bet, as small cargo vans may not be wide enough. 
• Load at an angle: Load the mattress and box spring through the rear doors at a 45-degree angle. 
• Protect the mattress: Place the mattress in a mattress bag to protect it from dirt and damage during the move. 
• Position strategically: After loading the box spring, slide the mattress on top of it and against the driver's side wall to maximize space. 

How big is the back of a transit connect?

The Ford Transit Connect has two main cargo space configurations: the short-wheelbase (SWB) and the long-wheelbase (LWB) model. The SWB model offers about 104.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats, while the LWB model provides up to 128.6 cubic feet. Both models have a narrow interior, with the distance between the wheel wells around 48 inches.
 
This video shows the interior of a Ford Transit Connect and highlights key cargo space measurements: 59sUpfit SupplyYouTube · Dec 20, 2022
Short-wheelbase (SWB)

• Max cargo volume: Approximately 104.8 cubic feet behind the front seats.
• With passenger seat folded: Up to 123.2 cubic feet.
• Interior width between wheel wells: ~48 inches.
• Max payload: Up to 1,510 lbs. 

Long-wheelbase (LWB)

• Max cargo volume: Approximately 128.6 cubic feet behind the front seats.
• With passenger seat folded: Up to 145.8 cubic feet.
• Interior width between wheel wells: ~48 inches.
• Max payload: Up to 1,550 lbs. 

Other key measurements

• Rear door opening: The width at the base is about 50 inches.
• Maximum cargo height: Around 50 inches. 

You can watch this video for more details on the interior measurements of the Ford Transit Connect LWB: 59sUpfit SupplyYouTube · Nov 14, 2024

What size bed fits in a Ford Transit Connect?

In terms of standard mattress sizes, the closest mattress that will fit in the back of most Ford models is a Twin.

What vehicles can fit a queen size mattress?

A queen-size mattress will fit in a pickup truck, full-size cargo van, or a large SUV with seats folded down. Some mid-size SUVs and minivans may also work, especially with foam mattresses that can be compressed. Alternatively, you can rent a larger vehicle or tie the mattress securely to the roof of a large vehicle with a roof rack.
 
Vehicle types that work

• Pickup truck: A standard full-size truck bed is typically long enough to fit a queen mattress, though you should secure it well and protect it from the elements. 
• Full-size cargo van: This type of van is designed to carry large items and provides ample space for a queen mattress. 
• Large SUV: With the second and third-row seats folded down, many larger SUVs have enough cargo length and width to fit a queen mattress. 
• Minivan: With the seats removed or folded, a minivan can accommodate a queen mattress. Some foam mattresses can be compressed to fit into the space. 
• Large SUV with roof rack: If you have a large SUV with a sturdy roof rack, you can tie the mattress to the roof. Ensure it is extremely well-secured for highway driving. 

What to do if your vehicle won't work

• Rent a larger vehicle: Companies like U-Haul offer trucks and vans that are guaranteed to fit a queen mattress. 
• Transport professionally: Have the mattress delivered by the retailer or a third-party delivery service to avoid the hassle of transport.