Dear Dave,
Many Class A motorhomes are now sporting the “tilt mattresses” in the bedroom slide. There is much confusion regarding what mattresses can be used to replace the often-lower-quality ones in the RV when purchased. Some people say hybrids can be used, others say use a topper. And apparently the popular RV bedding companies say they do not support tilt mattresses if they bend at more than a 40-degree angle.
It can be very frustrating to know what to do, especially since most RV bedding is bought online and is a pretty big investment. Has this ever been addressed in your newsletter? I think many people would be interested. —Michelle
Dear Michelle,
I do believe we touched on mattresses somewhat in an earlier newsletter but might have focused on the sizes not being uniform to what the residential mattresses are. (See links below.) For example, I have found more than six different sizes of “queen” bed mattresses in units. Some are the traditional 60” x 80”, but several are smaller. Most of this seems to be so there is more walk-around room. People don’t spend the time researching what I call the “residential” items.
Typical RV bed
This is one of the items I discuss in my RV Buyers Seminar conducted at RV shows across the country. I ask the question: “How many here have a 2” x 2” wood frame on the bedroom floor covered with paneling, a 4′ x 8′ sheet of plywood on top, and a hunk of foam?” We would never accept that in our homes. However, no RV that I have ever seen has a box spring. Most are what I just described—so now the mattress is very important.
The typical mattress in an RV is a hunk of foam covered in fabric and labeled “Deluxe Supreme”—which is not a mattress company! Two or three nights on that mattress and we suddenly realize it is not a good mattress. However, we just assumed that since we paid top dollar for the RV, it came with a good mattress. WRONG.
I would want an innerspring design, pillow top, maybe even a Sleep Number mattress. Notice what just happened. I increased the price $200-$5,000 with a mattress I didn’t even know I needed! So, manufacturers are not going to put the extra money in something that you don’t research.
“Tilt” mattress?
I am not sure what type of mattress you are referring to as a “tilt”. However, there are many manufacturers that are using a “Murphy” bed, where the entire platform tilts up so there is more space during the day. These will typically have just a lightweight foam mattress, as it would be difficult to tip up the weight of a quality mattress.
If you are referring to the adjustable beds that can tilt both the leg and head platform, these also would need to be some type of foam, as an innerspring would not bend well.
I personally have one of these at home. Although I like the fact I can prop up my head for better breathing, I don’t like the foam mattress even though I bought the most expensive “memory foam” brand. Some people love the memory foam; however, I think it’s just a gimmick as it’s still just foam!
My difficulty sleeping
As I get older, I get more aches and pains and parts of the body that fall asleep. That is ironic, because isn’t that what I’m supposed to be doing? One of the best mattresses I have slept on recently was at the Sheraton Fairplex during the California RV Show in Pomona. It was a plush innerspring mattress that I could buy for $6,000. I decided to live with different parts of my body falling asleep at different times.
I’ve tried more than a dozen different “toppers”—from the egg crate foam years ago to the expensive memory foam models. I did not feel much of a difference other than I was higher in the air. It seems odd, as I could sleep just about anywhere when I was younger. In fact, I have an old picture of me asleep sitting in the pots and pans drawer of the oven. Today, that would have to be an extremely large oven!
I know that Winnebago was using Serta innerspring mattresses for years. Serta even opened a plant nearby Forest City to supply them. That plant is now shut down, so I don’t know what is being offered. However, I know they are also on a race to the bottom.
Buyers need to request better quality
Until buyers start researching and comparing the differences in items—such as quality furniture, higher line fabrics, and mattress—and start asking for them rather than taking them for granted, cheap will be the norm.
Just this week I saw Walmart and Fleet Farm are selling Ashley furniture. At one point, Ashley was a high-line brand. However, the couches and love seats that I sat on at Fleet Farm are far from the quality furniture of years ago. We all know what happens when we just assume!
I would suggest finding an RV show that has a vendor selling mattresses. That may be hard to find, as most vendors are not going to shows but are rather marketing online, as you pointed out. However, I did see several this past spring at some of the RV Supershows I conducted seminars at.
Another option is to find a mattress you like from a residential retailer and see if there is a distributor close by. This would allow you to “test drive” the best fit.
More posts on RV mattresses
- My new RV mattress changed my life
- Why RV mattresses are an odd size, plus mattress tips
- RV nightmare: How to prevent mold on a memory foam mattress
- Around the Campfire: Plenty of discussion about replacing the RV mattress
- GhostBed: A big, comfy upgrade from our old RV mattress
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Dave, I think the tilt mattress that Michelle is referring is one that tilts up so the slide can come in. It literally “bends” in the middle and tilts the wall end upward to shorten it. Thats what we have as well in our Georgetown 36D7.
Finding a better mattress for these is like trying to navigate a razor wire factory with a blindfold on. Too firm and the mattress will resist bending and will hop the frame. Too soft and you’ll need rope and pulleys to get out of it.
But here’s a neat trick. To stiffen it, don’t lay it totally flat. Raise it up a touch and that will compress (stiffen) it. It’ll also raise your head slightly, easing the need for a second pillow. Higher is firmer.
Thank you for the discussion, Dave. We have had comfortable and lasting mattresses in both RV #1 and RV #2. The mattress in #2 is surprisingly thin, but has held up well. The one in #1 was a memory foam mattress by Wolf (https://wolfmattress.com/pages/fort-wayne-factory-store). It is still my favorite mattress of all time. Have a great day and safe travels!
Not sure about the tilt part, but I just purchased a “short queen” mattress from Amazon in a hybrid model that has both individual wrapped springs and topped with foam and fiber layers. The size matched the bed in my Tin Teepee, a 2000 Fleetwood Mallard 26′ travel trailer perfectly and it sleeps like a dream. My mattress is on a tilt surface with storage below and works fine, although I gather from another comment that yours might be something very different from mine.
Good options for comfort are out there. Good luck finding one that works for you!