Will a Queen Mattress Fit in a Minivan? Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, & More

As a camping enthusiast who’s spent countless nights under the stars in my minivan, I know the struggle of fitting gear for the perfect road trip. One question I get asked often is: Can a queen size mattress fit in a minivan? Whether you’re planning a family camping adventure in a Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, or Chrysler Pacifica, I’m here to share my experience and research to help you transport a queen mattress for your next camping adventure.

A queen mattress (60″ x 80″) is perfect for couples camping in a minivan, but fitting it requires some planning. With the right setup, like folding seats or angling the mattress, most minivans can accommodate a queen mattress. In this guide, I shares the best tips based on years of minivan camping, to help you transport a queen mattress safely and set up a cozy sleeping platform. From cargo space measurements to model-specific hacks for vehicles like the Toyota Sienna or Honda Odyssey, we’ve got you covered for a seamless road trip. Ready to make your minivan camping dreams a reality? Read on!

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Table of Contents

What is a Queen Mattress?

A queen mattress, measuring 60 inches wide by 80 inches long, fits standard queen bed frames and is a top choice for couples camping in minivans. It’s wider than a full-size mattress (54″ x 75″) but more compact than a king (76″ x 80″), offering ample space without overwhelming your minivan’s cargo area.

Queen Mattress Dimensions vs. Minivan Cargo Space

A queen mattress (60″ x 80″) is perfect for minivan camping, but fit depends on cargo dimensions. Here’s how popular minivans compare:

Model	Cargo Length (Seats Folded)	Fits Queen Mattress?	Notes
Queen Mattress	80 inches	N/A	60″ x 80″
Toyota Sienna	~87 inches	Yes	Angle slightly for width
Honda Odyssey	~86 inches	Yes	Remove third-row seats
Chrysler Pacifica	~85 inches	Possible	May need to bend
Dodge Caravan	~87 inches	Possible	Roof transport easier

How to measure your minivan to see if it will fit a queen mattress

To ensure a queen mattress (60″ x 80″) fits, measure your minivan’s cargo area:

Use a tape measure to gauge length, width, and height from the widest points (e.g., Toyota Sienna: ~87″ L x 50″ W x 48″ H).
Compare to the mattress dimensions. If the cargo length is ≥80 inches and width is ≥50 inches, it should fit with adjustments.
For tight fits, angle the mattress or fold seats (see model-specific guides below).

Check your minivan’s manual for exact cargo specs, as dimensions vary by model year (e.g., 2023 Sienna vs. 2018 Odyssey).

Tips for fitting a queen mattress into a minivan

If you’re looking to upgrade from a full or queen mattress to a king, but don’t have a lot of extra space in your bedroom, fitting a queen mattress into a minivan may be the way to go. Here are some tips on how to make the most of the space in your minivan and still get a good night’s sleep:

– Choose a mattress with a thinner profile. In general, queen mattresses are around 10 inches thick, while thicker models can range up to 14 inches. If you’re tight on space, opting for a thinner mattress will help.

– Consider an RV queen mattress. These mattresses are designed specifically for RVs and other small spaces. They’re usually shorter and narrower than standard queen mattresses, so they’ll fit more easily into your minivan.

– Look for creative storage solutions. If you can’t find a place to put your queen mattress during the day, look for other storage options like under the bed or in the back of the van. You can also invest in folding beds or Murphy beds that fold up against the wall when not in use.

Fitting a Queen Mattress in a Toyota Sienna for Camping

The Toyota Sienna is a camper’s dream with its ~87-inch cargo length when seats are folded. I’ve used my Sienna for countless camping trips, and here’s how to fit a queen mattress (60″ x 80″):

Fold down or remove the second- and third-row seats (check your manual for instructions).
Measure the cargo width (~50 inches between wheel wells). Angle the mattress slightly to fit.
For camping, build a plywood sleeping platform over the wheel wells (see our Toyota Sienna Camping Guide).
Secure the mattress with ratchet straps for safe transport.

*Queen size mattress angled in Toyota Sienna cargo area for minivan camping*

Camping Tip: A 6-inch foam RV queen mattress is easier to fold and perfect for a cozy camping setup.

Honda Odyssey: How to Fit a Queen Mattress

The Honda Odyssey offers ~86 inches of cargo length with the third-row seats removed. From my experience camping in minivans, here’s how to make it work:

Remove the third-row seats (consult your manual).
Tilt the mattress to fit the ~50-inch width between wheel wells.
Create a flat sleeping platform with plywood for camping (see our Honda Odyssey Mattress Guide).
Use bungee cords to secure the mattress.

Camping Hack: Pair with a portable power station for lights and ventilation. The Jackery Explorer 300 is a reliable choice for powering your camping setup.

Chrysler Pacifica Mattress Fit Guide

The Chrysler Pacifica has 140.5 cubic feet of cargo space with Stow ‘n Go seating. Here’s how to fit a queen mattress:

Fold the second- and third-row seats into the floor.
Place the mattress longitudinally (~85 inches available). Bend slightly if needed for width.
Secure with tie-downs to prevent shifting.

Camping Hack: A thinner mattress (8-10 inches) saves space for camping gear like coolers and stoves. Try the Yeti Roadie 24 Cooler for keeping food fresh, and the Coleman Classic Propane Stove for easy cooking. See Our Easy Camp Kitchen Setup.

Can a Queen Mattress Fit in SUVs or Cargo Vans?

While minivans are great for camping, some SUVs and cargo vans can also handle a queen mattress:

SUVs: Large SUVs like the Chevrolet Suburban (~93 inches cargo length) can fit a queen mattress with seats folded, but smaller SUVs may require roof transport.
Cargo Vans: Most cargo vans (e.g., Ford Transit) offer over 80 inches of length, easily accommodating a queen mattress.

Dodge Caravan: Can a Queen Mattress Fit?

The Dodge Caravan offers ~87 inches of cargo length with seats folded, making a queen mattress (60″ x 80″) possible with adjustments:

Fold or remove second- and third-row seats.
Angle the mattress to fit the ~50-inch width between wheel wells.
Secure with tie-downs for safe transport.
If internal fit is tight, use a roof rack with proper straps (check weight limits per NHTSA guidelines).

Pro Tip: A compressed foam mattress simplifies transport for camping.

Can you fit a king mattress in a minivan?

A king-size mattress (76″ x 80″) is too wide for most minivans’ ~50-inch cargo width, even when angled. Stick to a queen or full-size mattress for easier camping setups.

Minivan Camping: Using a Queen Mattress as a Sleeping Platform

A queen mattress is perfect for minivan camping, offering ample space for couples. Based on my camping trips, here’s how to create a sleeping platform:

Measure your cargo area and build a plywood platform to level the space over wheel wells.
Choose an RV queen mattress (shorter and narrower than standard queens) for easier fitment.
Add bedding and a portable fan for ventilation (see our Camping Gear Guide). I recommend the Clip-On USB Fan for excellent airflow in your minivan.

*Queen mattress on plywood sleeping platform in minivan for camping*

My Experience: A 6-inch foam mattress has been my go-to for minivan camping—it’s lightweight, comfy, and fits most minivans without hassle.

Practical Tips for Transporting a Queen Mattress

Transporting a queen mattress requires careful planning. Here’s what I’ve learned from moving mattresses for camping:

Measure First: Use a tape measure to check your minivan’s cargo area (length, width, height).
Fold or Remove Seats: Maximize space by folding Stow ‘n Go seats or removing second/third-row seats.
Angle or Compress: Angle the mattress or use a mattress-in-a-box (compressible foam) for tighter fits.
Secure Safely: Use ratchet straps or bungee cords to prevent shifting. Try the Keeper 4-Pack Ratchet Straps for durability.
Roof Option: If it doesn’t fit inside, use a roof rack with proper tie-downs (check weight limits).

Safety Note: Ensure the mattress doesn’t obstruct the driver’s view or exceed your minivan’s weight capacity, per NHTSA guidelines.

FAQs:

Models like the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, and Chrysler Pacifica are ideal due to their spacious cargo areas and foldable seats.

It’s possible by folding seats and angling the mattress, but removing seats ensures a secure fit.

Follow these steps:

For Stow-and-Go seating: Identify straps, fold headrests, fold seats, and unlatch.

For removable seats: Fold the seat, locate the release mechanism, and remove the seat entirely.

Yes, roof racks or cargo carriers can be used to transport a queen mattress on the roof. Ensure it’s securely strapped down and doesn’t exceed weight limits.

If your minivan lacks removable seats, consider borrowing a larger vehicle or renting a moving truck for transporting the mattress.

Absolutely! Secure the mattress properly to prevent it from shifting during transit. Use straps, bungee cords, or ratchet tie-downs. Also, drive cautiously to avoid sudden stops.

Conclusion

Fitting a queen size mattress (60″ x 80″) in a minivan is not only possible but a game-changer for camping adventures. As Joseph Bijoy, a seasoned camper at The Out Camp, I’ve set up cozy sleeping platforms in minivans like the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, and Chrysler Pacifica for countless road trips. With careful measurements, folded seats, and secure tie-downs, you can transport a queen mattress safely and create a comfortable camping setup. Choose a foam or RV queen mattress for easy handling, and always check your minivan’s cargo space (e.g., Sienna’s ~87″ length) and weight limits. Ready to hit the road? Explore our Minivan Camping Guide for more tips, and share your camping setup in the comments below!