Truck bed mattresses are an excellent option for city dwellers who want to enjoy the experience of camping in the woods without giving up the comfort and familiarity of sleeping in an enclosed space.
However, choosing the right truck bed mattress can be a challenge, as there are several factors to consider. You can choose between an air mattress or a foam mattress or even opt to create your own by cutting and modifying an old mattress.
To help you decide on the best truck bed mattress to buy, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option and determine which one is right for you.
Why Should You Get a Truck Bed Mattress
A truck bed air mattress is exactly as it sounds – a mattress that you can inflate and place in the bed of your truck. With a truck bed mattress, you don’t need a campervan or a separate camping module. You can even skip using a truck tent if you’re camping in a warm, secluded location where you don’t need protection from insects or prying eyes.
Some people may wonder why they can’t just use a foam mattress or cut out a piece of foam instead of using a truck bed air mattress.
However, these mattresses are specifically designed to fit in a truck or SUV and have cutouts for the wheel wells to make it easier to transform a cold metal truck bed into a comfortable place to sleep. They also inflate quickly, with some models even having a built-in pump, and can be easily packed away and stored under the driver’s seat for convenience.
How Do You Use a Truck Bed Mattress
To use a truck bed mattress, simply lay it out on your truck bed and inflate it using the built-in pump or an external pump that you can connect to your truck’s cigarette lighter or a 12V power pack.
These mattresses typically inflate quickly, so you can set it up while you do other tasks like cleaning your teeth. Most truck bed air mattresses provide around 10-12 inches of padding, which is enough to cushion you from the hard surface of the truck bed and ensure a comfortable night’s sleep.
For added comfort, you can use a heavy comforter and your favorite pillows to create a luxurious sleep zone.
Things To Look For In A Truck Bed Mattress
When shopping for a truck bed mattress, there are a few factors to take into consideration in order to find the best option for your needs. These mattresses are not a “one size fits all” product, and there is a wide range of options available at different price points and with varying levels of quality.
To help you decide which truck bed air mattress is right for you, here are four key points to consider:
Size
When shopping for an air mattress a truck bed, the main size constraint to consider is the dimensions of your truck or SUV. Even the thickest mattress should fit inside most SUVs, although you may not have that extra room to sit up and move around. For trucks, as long as you haven’t made any major modifications to the interior, you shouldn’t have any issues finding a mattress that fits easily. Just make sure to measure the dimensions of your truck bed and compare them to the size of the mattress to ensure a proper fit.
When shopping for a mattress for your truck, it’s important to measure the dimensions of your truck bed to ensure that you get a mattress that fits the entire truck bed. Start by measuring the length from the back of the truck to determine how long the mattress needs to be. Next, measure the width between the sidewalls and the wheel wells to ensure that the mattress will fit without having to be modified.
Truck bed mattresses come in three sizes: Queen, Full, and Full XL. The Queen size air mattress is the largest and will only fit in larger trucks. The Full-size mattress, which is 54 inches by 74 inches, is suitable for most truck beds, while the Full XL size, which is 54 inches by 80 inches, is slightly larger and is a good option for trucks with a tailgate that can be lowered to provide more room. Full XL mattresses are also a good choice for taller campers.
Comfortable Materials
Sleeping on a scratchy and uncomfortable surface can ruin a good night’s sleep and make you feel grumpy in the morning. To avoid this, it’s important to consider the material of the truck bed air mattress. Most models are made of PVC and have a “pocket sprung” design similar to a traditional mattress, but they may feel plasticky and slightly like cuddling up to a balloon.
To make them more comfortable, you can cover the mattress with a sheet. If you don’t want to deal with sheets that might slip off in the middle of the night, you could opt for a truck bed mattress with a brushed cotton cover, which is soft and comfortable.
Thickness
Thickness is an important factor to consider when choosing a truck bed air mattress, as a thicker mattress will provide more comfort and support for a good night’s sleep, especially if you have a long drive the next day. While truck bed mattresses may not be as thick as traditional mattresses, most options offer 10-12 inches of padding, with some cheaper models providing 8 inches.
You can also add extra thickness by using a memory foam mattress topper or layering blankets and throws on top of the mattress.
One more thing to consider is the number of air chambers in the mattress. A mattress with more air chambers will provide a firmer base, better weight distribution, and reduce the risk of rolling into your partner in the middle of the night, leading to a more restful sleep.
Inflation
Inflating a truck bed air mattress is an important part of setting up for a comfortable night’s sleep, and thankfully, the days of using a noisy, manual foot air pump are over. Nowadays, you can use a 12V pump that plugs into your truck’s cigarette lighter to inflate the mattress quickly and easily.
Alternatively, you can opt for a battery-powered pump that can be charged and used on the go. Some pumps even come with a long cord that allows you to inflate the mattress in its final form rather than having to move it once it’s fully inflated. This can save you time and effort and ensure that you have a comfortable place to sleep as soon as possible.
Top 5 Best Truck Bed Mattresses
To help you find the perfect truck bed mattress for your next adventure, we’ve compiled a list of five top options. Here’s what you should know about each one:
Rightline Gear Truck Bed Air Mattress
The Rightline Gear Truck Bed Air Mattress is a budget-friendly option that is suitable for use in almost any vehicle. One of the standout features of this mattress is its ability to fit between the wheel wells of your truck, creating a convenient storage area for personal belongings like bags, suitcases, and shoes. This means you won’t have to worry about leaving your things in front of your truck or on the floor while you’re sleeping.
This mattress has a flocked top surface for maximum comfort and an easy inflate valve for quick and convenient inflation and deflation. It also comes in a handy stuff sack for easy storage and transportation. Overall, this is a reliable and practical choice for anyone in need of a truck bed mattress.
Berocia Thick SUV Mattress
The Berocia Thick SUV Mattress is a great value option that is suitable for use in a variety of vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, and pop-up campers. With a simple setup process and an inflated size of 70.86 x 50.4 x 4.7 inches, this mattress is perfect for travelers who want a comfortable place to sleep without breaking the bank.
It’s designed to be used in temperatures ranging from -13°F to 122°F and provides a solid base layer for any sleeping setup. One of the standout features of this SUV mattress is its compact size when folded down – it measures just 11.8 x 9.84 x 4.7 inches, which is about the size of a lunchbox. This makes it easy to pack and carry with you on hikes or other outdoor adventures. The mattress can be inflated in just 2 minutes, making your camping trip more convenient.
Wey & Fly SUV Air Mattress
The Wey & Fly SUV Air Mattress is a high-quality option that is similar to the Berocia model in terms of features and price. The mattress is double-sided with a flocked, breathable material and ridges to provide support while sleeping, and it also comes in a range of colors to suit different preferences.
The mattress has separate blow-up segments to increase its structure and can bear up to 573.2 lbs of weight, making it suitable for use by a couple or small family. This mattress does not have an integrated pump, but it can be inflated using a 12V pump in just a few minutes. It has a temperature rating of -13°F to 122°F, making it suitable for use in a variety of climates. Overall, this is a comfortable and convenient choice for anyone in need of a truck bed air mattress.
Pittman Outdoors AirBedz Pro3
The Pittman Outdoors Airbedz Pro is a high-quality truck bed air mattress that can also be used as an extra bed in your home. This full-sized mattress utilizes every inch of available space and is ideal for travelers who like to starfish or share their sleeping area with a partner or friend.
The famous Pittman air-coiled system provides 12 inches of comfort, and the smooth brushed cotton finish adds an extra touch of luxury. The Airbedz Pro comes with an integrated pump that can be connected to the 12V port of your pickup truck for easy inflation.
Special cutouts allow the mattress to fit over the wheel wells of your truck, and you can use it as a regular bed by attaching wheel well inserts. Overall, this is a versatile and comfortable choice for anyone looking for a truck bed air mattress.
Pittman Outdoors AirBedz Lite
The AirBedz Lite is a high-quality truck bed air mattress that offers the same level of comfort and thickness as the AirBedz Pro3 model but at a lower price point. This is due to the fact that it does not have an integrated pump function, but it can still be inflated using a 12V pump.
The AirBedz Lite features an integrated air-coil system and is made of high-gauge PVC material, making it durable and long-lasting. It also has wheel well cutouts to make maximum sleeping space possible in your truck, allowing you to spread out and sleep comfortably. Overall, the AirBedz Lite is a great choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly truck bed air mattress that still provides a comfortable and restful night’s sleep.
FAQ
How Much Are Truck Mattresses?
In the United States, high-quality truck bed mattresses typically range in price from $150 to $250. However, the exact cost can vary based on location and brand. Some options with additional or advanced features may cost less than $400. It’s important to consider your budget and determine what features are most important to you when choosing a truck bed air mattress.
Keep in mind that investing in a high-quality product may save you money in the long run by providing a comfortable and durable sleeping surface.
What Size Of An Air Mattress Will Fit In a Truck Bed?
A full-size or double-size mattress, which measures 54 inches by 75 inches, is typically the standard size for truck beds. Some truck beds may vary slightly in length, ranging from 73 inches to 75 inches, but a foam mattress can be compressed to fit snugly in these sizes. For extended trucks, a full XL-size mattress may be a better option. These mattresses are also 54 inches wide but can be up to 80 inches long to accommodate longer truck beds.
It’s important to measure your truck bed carefully before purchasing a truck bed air mattress to ensure that you get the right size for your needs.
How To Transport a Mattress In a Truck?
It’s important to ensure that your mattress is properly secured when transporting it in your truck bed. This will help prevent damage to the mattress and ensure that it stays in place during transit.
For air mattresses, it’s a good idea to pack them in a sturdy, waterproof bag and secure them with bungee cords or other restraints. This will help protect them from the elements and prevent them from shifting around in the bed.
Foldable mattresses should also be secured with restraints to keep them from sliding around or becoming dislodged during transport.
If you are transporting a foam mattress, you can wrap it in a protective cover or tie it down with restraints. This will help prevent damage to the mattress and keep it in place during transit.
In general, it’s best to avoid transporting a mattress on its side, as this can cause damage to the structure of the mattress. Instead, try to keep the mattress in an upright position as much as possible.
Bottom Line
When it comes to truck bed mattresses, you’ll need to do some research and carefully consider your options before making a decision. These types of mattresses are not as common as other products, so you may need to be creative and take matters into your own hands to find the best solution for you.
The truck bed air mattresses listed in this article are all good options, each with its own set of features and potential drawbacks. When deciding on the best one for you, be sure to consider your budget, size requirements, and desired level of comfort. Ultimately, the best truck bed air mattress will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
I am Dave McCurdy I am the content developer on the ecodrivingusa.com website. I have 6 years of experience in marketing as an automotive major.