When we bought our first travel trailer this year—a 2021 Rockwood Ultra Lite 2608BS—I was over the moon to finally make my long-time camping dream a reality. I’d been wanting to go camping for years, but my husband always said the only way he’d do it was in a tent. So, I decided to call his bluff.
I went all in. I bought the tent, cots, sleeping pads, and even made state park reservations. But then fate (and a bit of curiosity) stepped in. While on vacation, we stumbled upon an RV show and decided to check it out “just for fun.” You can probably guess what happened next—we ended up buying a camper!
The Rockwood Ultra Lite 2608BS turned out to be the perfect couples’ camper for us: one queen-sized bed, a roomy kitchen, theater seating, and a decent amount of interior storage. It had everything we needed for comfort and adventure—except for one thing: a comfortable mattress.
Why We Needed a Mattress Upgrade in Our Travel Trailer
After just one weekend in the camper, it became very clear that the factory mattress had to go. Like most RV owners quickly discover, the stock mattress that comes with your camper is lightweight, thin, and designed for easy transport—not comfort.
Ours was a foam pad that let you feel every bit of the hard surface underneath. After a few nights of tossing and turning, my back was begging for something better.
Because our camper’s bed sits on a slide-out and tucks under the wardrobe when retracted, I had to find a mattress no thicker than 8 inches. My goal was simple: create a bed setup that’s just as comfortable as our bed at home—without spending a fortune.
Choosing the Best Mattress for Our Camper
After lots of research and reading reviews, I landed on the ZINUS 8 Inch Foam and Spring Hybrid Mattress [New Version] (Queen).
👉 You can find it here on Amazon.
What I loved about it:
- Medium firmness that offers both support and comfort
- Fiberglass-free construction for peace of mind
- Certified safe foams and fabrics
- Ships conveniently as a mattress in a box
It’s also a great balance of affordability and quality—perfect for anyone trying to upgrade their RV sleeping setup without blowing the budget.
I let the mattress expand in the camper for about four days before our next trip. The difference was immediately noticeable—it was firmer and far more supportive than the stock mattress. But since it’s a hybrid with springs and only 8” thick, it didn’t have quite enough cushion on top. Plus, because it’s spring-based, I could feel every movement when my husband turned over or got out of bed.
That’s when I realized: a good RV mattress setup isn’t just about the mattress—it’s about the layers.
Adding Layers for the Perfect RV Sleep Setup
To take our comfort to the next level, I added two more layers:
- ZINUS 2 Inch Swirl Gel Cooling Memory Foam Mattress Topper
👉 View it here on Amazon.
This topper adds softness, cooling, and a little extra separation from the bouncy springs below. It also helps reduce motion transfer (a big plus in a travel trailer that moves a bit when someone gets up). - BEDLORE Queen Pillow Top Mattress Pad
👉 Find it here.
This quilted pillow top adds that cozy, plush hotel-bed feel. It’s also great for keeping the bed cool and breathable, especially in summer months.
Combined with the mattress, these layers created a sleep surface that rivals our bed at home.
💡 RV Mattress Hack:
If your bed is in a slide-out like ours, keep the topper and pillowtop folded back at the foot of the bed on travel days. This way, your mattress will still fit under the wardrobe when you retract the slide.
The Result: A Camper Bed That Feels Like Home
The first night we slept on our new setup, the difference was incredible. The bed felt supportive but soft, and I didn’t wake up every time my husband rolled over. The gel foam topper absorbed most of the movement and added just the right amount of cushioning.
It did make the bed a little higher to climb into—but since we’re both fairly tall, it’s not an issue. The only downside? The added weight means the gas struts no longer hold the bed up easily when accessing storage underneath. That’s a small trade-off for a great night’s sleep, and I may replace them with stronger struts later.
Now, every time we head out on a trip, I actually look forward to going to bed in our travel trailer.
Tips for Choosing the Right RV Mattress Setup
If you’re considering upgrading your camper mattress, here are some practical tips from our experience:
1. Measure Carefully
RV bed spaces are often shorter or narrower than standard mattresses, so measure both width and length before ordering. Some RV queens are 60×74 instead of the standard 60×80.
2. Check Slide Clearance
If your bed slides under a cabinet or wardrobe, the mattress height is critical. Ours couldn’t exceed 8 inches, which narrowed our choices.
3. Consider a Hybrid Mattress
Hybrid mattresses combine foam and springs, giving better support than all-foam options while still fitting into thinner profiles.
4. Layer for Comfort
Adding a foam topper and pillow top gives you flexibility—you can adjust firmness and softness easily without replacing the whole mattress.
5. Don’t Forget Weight
Heavier mattresses can strain the lift system under your bed. Check your camper’s storage access before choosing a thick or heavy option.
6. Let It Expand Fully
Most mattresses in a box need a few days to reach their full shape and comfort. Unbox it early so it’s ready for your next trip.
Budget-Friendly RV Mattress Upgrade Ideas
Creating a comfortable bed in your travel trailer doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are a few affordable ideas:
- Replace the mattress only if your current topper or pad still feels good.
- Add a cooling memory foam topper for summer comfort.
- Try a high-quality pillow top pad instead of replacing the mattress altogether if you just need more softness.
- Keep an extra fitted sheet or mattress protector to help your new layers stay clean and secure.
Our total cost for all three pieces—mattress, foam topper, and pillowtop—was a fraction of what an RV specialty mattress would cost, and the comfort level is just as good.
Final Thoughts: Why Comfort Matters on the Road
When you’re spending long days exploring or driving, a good night’s sleep makes all the difference. Investing in your RV mattress setup isn’t just about luxury—it’s about making sure every trip is enjoyable, restful, and sustainable for the long haul.
Our ZINUS hybrid mattress, paired with the gel memory foam topper and pillow top cover, completely transformed how we feel in our camper. We wake up refreshed, pain-free, and ready for adventure.
If you’re struggling with your factory RV mattress, take it from me—upgrading it is one of the best things you can do to make your camper feel like home.
Shop Our RV Bed Setup:
🛏️ ZINUS 8” Foam & Spring Hybrid Mattress
💙 ZINUS 2” Gel Memory Foam Topper
☁️ BEDLORE Pillow Top Mattress Pad
Want to see how I maximized space in my camper closet? Check out this post!
