Before you pull up to the store to pick up your new bed, it is essential to make sure it’s going to fit in your vehicle. Whether or not it fits depends on a variety of factors, including what kind of vehicle you have and what type of bed you are purchasing. We researched the ins and outs of this to get you the information that you need.
A regular king-sized bed will not fit into a cargo van or a minivan. A king size mattress is usually about 76 inches wide and 80 inches long, and about 9 to 12 inches thick. The cargo space of a cargo van or minivan is usually about 50 to 60 inches wide, which is not wide enough to accommodate a king-size bed.
But there are other ways you can transport a king-size bed with or without a van. It just depends on what is easiest for you with your situation. Keep reading for all the details!
Does a King Size Bed Fit in a Cargo Van or Minivan?
A king-size mattress is approximately 76” wide x 80” long.
The dimensions of the typical cargo van are: 83" x 52" x 48" wide, and a heavy-duty cargo van is 126" x 55" x 65". Neither of these is wide enough for a king-size mattress.
Unfortunately, a regular passenger minivan fares no better: even with all of the seats stowed, they are not wide enough.
How to Transport a King Size Bed Without a Van:
Get it Delivered
Most companies that sell furniture offer truck delivery to customer’s homes. Often delivery is free if you spend enough money.
Rent a Truck
You can rent a truck large enough to fit the bed from companies such as U-Haul or Enterprise. Sometimes this is the best option because you don’t have to pay someone to deliver it, and you don’t have to wait for them to deliver it.
Rent a Trailer
If you have a vehicle with a trailer hitch, it may be cheaper just to rent a trailer rather than a truck. Just make sure you securely strap the furniture down, so it does not fall out while you’re driving.
Consider a Bed Frame You Can Assemble Yourself
Some bed frames you can take apart and put them in the van. These are usually smaller metal bed frames. The pieces can be taken apart and put in the van. Then you can put them together when you get home. These are usually cheaper than regular beds, but they are not as attractive and lower quality.
Can You Fit a Mattress in a Van?
Fitting a mattress into a van is much easier than trying to fit a bed. Usually, the bed is going to be larger than a mattress. Also, with mattresses, it is easier to turn it at an angle and try to stuff it in the trunk than with a bed. If you want to transport a mattress in a van, it depends on the kind of van you have and the kind of mattress.
Cargo Vans
Although you cannot fit a king size bed into the back of a cargo van, you can fit a king-size mattress. In most cargo vans, you will probably have to put the mattress at an angle to make it fit. The material the mattress is made of might make this more difficult. Thinner, softer mattresses are easier to bend and shove into the back of the cargo van. A queen size mattress will fit comfortably in a cargo van.
The cargo space of the cargo van depends on what kind of cargo van it is. It may have around 230 - 313 cubic feet of cargo space. It depends if it is a standard wheelbase or extended wheelbase. There’s usually about 120 to 145 inches of space in the back.
The wheel housings could be in the way. If this happens, it might be easier to make a false floor. You can do this by putting some plywood in the back over the top of the wheel housings. You can put stuff under the plywood to keep it level. This will give you more width, but take away some space in height.
Minivans
When it comes to minivans, you most likely will not be able to fit a king-size mattress. Most minivans can fit a queen size mattress if the back seats are removed, but it depends on what kind of minivan. Different vans have different sized trim around the trunk. Even if the van is wide enough, the mattress might not fit in through the opening.
It is possible to tie a mattress to the top of the van. Make sure if you do this, it is fastened securely to the vehicle, so it doesn’t fall off. Use strong ropes, bungee cords, or straps. Make sure you secure them to a part of the van that will not move during the drive. Drive carefully if you have anything tied to the top of the vehicle.
Queen-sized Mattresses
A queen-sized mattress is 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. Compact minivans have a cargo width of 59 inches, meaning you could squeeze a queen-sized mattress in it. Other minivans usually have a cargo space width of around 57 inches. You could probably fit a queen-sized mattress, but all the seats have to be removed entirely, and it has to be at an angle. If it is hanging out of the back of the trunk, make sure you securely tie the trunk door from flying open using ropes, cords or straps.
Can One Person Move a King Size Mattress?
One person would have a challenging time moving a king-sized mattress by themself. The average weight of a king-sized mattress is between 130 to 180 pounds. There is no comfortable way to get a good grip on a mattress. They are massive and awkward to carry. If someone were strong enough to do it alone, they would probably be dragging it on the ground. It would be better to get some help.
Even though most king-sized beds cannot fit in vans, there are other options. Mattresses are possible to transport in a van, but make sure you know how big your vehicle’s cargo space is, and how big the mattress is. Whichever way is best for you, make sure to do it safely.