Commercial semi-truck drivers in the United States know a paid room is not always a viable option on the job, and a mattress for a semi-truck bed can save time and money. But what size mattress fits in your semi-truck bed? I did some research to figure out what size of mattress does fit in a semi-truck bed and wrote down my findings below.
What size mattress fits in a semi-truck? Most semi-truck bed mattresses run at around 80 inches in length, and 40 inches in width but this question is not simple and depends on the semi-truck model and the sleeper size of each semi-truck model.
There are many different models of semi-trucks, and each has its own mattress specifications. Some people even make custom sleeper cabs, which we will discuss later, so they can really have a homey feel in their semi-truck.
How Do I Know I’m Buying the Right Mattress?
With many different outlets to purchase mattresses, it can be easy to overlook the exact specifications needed for a specific semi-truck. The thickness of the mattress usually should not matter if the length and width are correct, however, there are mattresses made specifically for semi-truck sleeper cabs. It is recommended to do your research and check the specifications of the vehicle you drive on your own.
“Measure the width and length of your sleeper berth to confirm optimum mattress fit.”
If you are in a position where your vehicle is not your own and cannot measure the dimensions of your semi-truck bed’s sleeper do not worry, there are many wonderful charts on the web to assist you in making the correct purchase. See the chart below for some examples of specific semi-truck models and the mattress size that fits for each.
| Truck Models | Common Bottom Berth Size (Inches) | Our Recommendation |
| Freightliner Condo Couch Series | 42×80 | MOBILE INNERSPACE Truck Luxury Mattress |
| Freightliner – all other models | 38×80 | MOBILE INNERSPACE Truck Luxury Mattress |
| INTERNATIONAL | ||
| International Pro Sleeper | 35×79 | Mobile InnerSpace TK-3579 Mattress |
| International 9900i 72 Sleeper | 42×80 | MOBILE INNERSPACE Truck Luxury Mattress |
| KENWORTH | ||
| Kenworth T2000 and T680 | 38×80 | MOBILE INNERSPACE Truck Luxury Mattress |
| Kenworth – most other models | 42×80 | MOBILE INNERSPACE Truck Luxury Mattress |
| MACK | ||
| Mack Pinnacle | 38×80 | MOBILE INNERSPACE Truck Luxury Mattress |
| PETERBILT | ||
| Peterbilt Unibilt Ultra Sleeper | 51×75 | Zinus Green Tea 6-Inch Memory Foam Mattress |
| Peterbilt 397 and 587 Mid Roof | 32×79 | Mobile InnerSpace TM-3279 RV And Truck Maximizer |
| Peterbilt 397 and 587 High Roof | 42×80 | MOBILE INNERSPACE Truck Luxury Mattress |
| VOLVO | ||
| Volvo VNL 430, 630, and 670 | 35×79 | Mobile InnerSpace TK-3579 Mattress |
| Volvo VNL 730, 770 and 780 | 38×80 | MOBILE INNERSPACE Truck Luxury Mattress |
The page referenced above has a more complete list featuring more semi-truck models on their website. This page includes links to purchase mattresses in its chart.
“A good mattress is a sound investment whether you own the truck or not because your sleep is an invaluable commodity, it’s actually priceless, in my book.”
Source: Trucker Tips Blog
In 2018, the commercial trucking industry posted some HUGE numbers. The value of semi-truck transported trade with Mexico rose 10.2% to $424 billion, and 3.6% to $348.3 billion with Canada, showing how critical the industry is for efficient trade. Given that 91% of companies operate with 6 or fewer semi-trucks, (Source) the importance of the above quote is undeniable.
Some Popular Semi-Truck Brands and Their Sleeping Features
This section shares some of the most popular semi-truck brands in the US market. Then it explains each of them relating to their overall reputation and features relating to mattress space.
- Freightliner
A trucking option known for its spectacular engine efficiency (Source) and variety of versatile models, Freightliner semi-trucks are the most popular brand in class making up around a third of newly purchased semi-trucks each year. (Source) The Freightliner Condo Couch Series has a common bottom birth size (CBBS) of 42 x 80 inches, which is nearly as big as any standard model.
Overall freightliners are great sleepers, as all other models have a CBBS of 38 x 80 inches, (Source) which is still quite large.
- Kenworth
Kenworth trucks have the same CBBS measurements as the Freightliner brands with the T2000 and T680 models having 38 x 80 measurements and all other models having 42 x 80-inch measurements. (Source) Kenworth trucks is an internationally recognized brand known for fuel economy, minimal upkeep requirements, and reliability.
Kenworth trucks also employ a web-based diagnostics tool that helps drivers determine the source of a technical problem while driving.
- Peterbilt
Under the same ownership as Kenworth trucks, this umbrella makes up a sizable portion of active semi-trucks in the United States. Peterbilt trucks are known for the many of the same engine features as Kenworth’s are. In terms of CBBS measurements in the sleeper however, Peterbilt has a larger variety.
Having a couple models with standard 42 x 80-inch measurements, the Peterbilt Unibilt Ultra Sleeper has the largest CBBS for a mattress of all standard commercial semi-trucks, with measurements of 51 x 75 inches. Peterbilt trucks are also known of their SmartAir feature, which keeps fuel costs lower by cooling sleeper cabs, and the overall roomy and comfortable nature of their sleeper cabs. In short, Peterbilt trucks have a fantastic sleeping experience and allow for the biggest mattress that can fit in a standard semi-truck, making them pretty awesome for a tired trucker.
- Volvo
A company better known for its car manufacturing, Volvo has come on strong in the US market in recent years, specializing in semi-trucks for on-highway use. Volvo trucks are also known to offer the best driver amenities and most luxurious overall cab space.
The Volvo semi-truck model with the largest CBBS measurement is the Volvo 880 model, with specifications of 42 x 80 inches. Volvo also has some models, like the Volvo 610 that has a 36 x 76-inch mattress CBBS, that offer amongst the smallest mattress spaces for standard commercialized semi-trucks.
- Mack
Known for their heavy-duty, versatile trucks and their NASCAR sponsor, Mack trucks are not as significant of a presence in the US market as the brands listed above. They are known for being maybe the best high mileage, heavy workload truck. The most common model, the Mack Pinnacle, has a 38 x 80 inch CBBS measurement giving it potential for a good sized mattress to make up for the smaller sleeper cabs of Mack trucks.
Custom Semi-Truck Beds
It is certainly an extra cost, but some drivers say that it is worth spending the extra money to expand a semi-trucks sleeper cab. Just ask Dan and Joy Kelly about their customized ARI Legacy II Sleeper, who sold their home to finance their new “money-making motor home.”
“You pick out your flooring, walls, fabric, cushions, wood for cupboards, everything – just like designing your home.” -Joy
Dan and Joy Kelly really went the extra mile with their sleeper cab by adding many extra features including a sink, a dual burner stove top, large refrigerator and freezer units, a booth style dining table, a foldup bed a shower, a toilet, a 32-inch flat screen television.
With the ability to add space to a sleeper cabin, the question of mattress size would change entirely. A better question for these custom trucks might be, “what size bed wouldn’t fit in a semi-truck sleeper of that size?”
Sheet Sets for Semi-Truck Mattresses
When you purchase a mattress for your semi-truck, of course you need a good set of sheets to go with it. Here are our recommendations for sheet sets for all the different sizes of mattress.
| Mattress Size | Our Recommendation |
|---|---|
| 42×80 | Way Fair Sheet Set |
| 38×80 | Unicor Pack of 4 Fitted Premium Bed Sheets |
| 35×79 | Best-Bedding RV Bunk Sheets |
| 51×75 | Microfiber RV Sheet Sets |
| 32×79 | Lavish Linens – 1800 Series Brushed Microfiber RV |
| 35×79 | Best-Bedding RV Bunk Sheets |
Other Questions
What if I don’t want a full mattress?
If you know you need to sleep in a semi-truck sleeper cabin, but don’t want to deal with the cumbersome nature of a mattress, consider a thick memory foam topper. These are great for team driving If a foam topper is something that interests you, they can be found at many commercial stores, and their dimensions can easily be changed if needed. Here is a link to buy a foam topper.
Do I need special sheets for truck mattresses?
Not necessarily if you have preferred sheets that fit your mattress, but you can find sheets that are custom-sized and made specifically for sleeper mattress at truck stops.