Size the mattress to the platform, not to the cargo area. Measure the top of the bed with its extension out, note its shape, and pick a thickness that still lets you sit up. On a flat platform, 2 to 3 inches is plenty for most people. Our precision-fit mattresses are cut to the deck for most of our kits: 2.5 inches thick, medium firm, $600, or $520 for the Solo.
The Short Version
- Measure the platform: its width at the narrowest point, and its length with the bed extension out.
- Thickness: 2 to 3 inches on a flat platform, up to 4 if you want it softer and have the headroom. Every inch of mattress is an inch less headroom.
- Shape: a mattress cut to the platform has no gaps or overhang. A standard size works if you trim it or live with a small gap.
- Ours: 2.5 inches thick, cut to most Compass Camper kits, folds to store in the trunk area. $600, or $520 for the Solo. Made to order in 5 to 6 weeks.
How to Measure Your Platform
- Pull the bed extension all the way out.
- Measure the width at the narrowest point.
- Measure the length from the tailgate end to the front edge of the extension, or of the flip-over headrest if you use it.
- Note the shape. A split extension, for example, lets one rear seat stay up, and the mattress should split with it.
- Sit on the bare platform and check your headroom before you add a mattress.
For reference, our Outback kit's bed is 40.5 inches wide and 76 inches long on 2010 to 2019 models, 78 inches long on 2020 to 2026. Our Solo kit bed is about 25 inches wide and 71 to 77 inches long on most vehicles.
Your Options
A mattress cut to the platform
The best fit: no gaps at the edges and nothing curling up the sides. It costs more and takes time to make.
A tri-fold foam mattress
Easy to find and quick to fold away. Check the width against your platform: too wide and it curls up the sides, too narrow and you roll into the gap. Foam trims with an electric knife if you need to cut it down.
A self-inflating pad
Packs small and suits a one-person bed. Thin ones feel firm on a hard platform.
An air mattress
Soft and packs small, but it can feel softer as the night cools and the air inside contracts, and a puncture can end the night, so pack a patch kit.
A regular twin mattress
A standard twin is 38 by 75 inches. It is much thicker than a camping pad, so it costs real headroom in an SUV, and it is hard to store when you need the cargo space.
Thickness and Headroom
On folded seats, a thick mattress does the leveling. On a flat platform, the platform does that job, so 2 to 3 inches is enough for most people. Thicker feels softer, but in an SUV every inch comes out of your sitting room. Ours are 2.5 inches thick on purpose.
Our Precision-Fit Mattresses
- Cut to the deck of most Compass Camper kits, including Solo kits.
- 2.5 inches thick and medium firm, so you keep your headroom.
- Fold to store in the trunk area.
- A split version for split-extension kits, with extra velcro to hold the two headrest pieces together when you sleep full width. The split version is $80 more.
- $600, or $520 for a Solo mattress, 25 inches wide on most vehicles and 26 or 28 on the 5th gen 4Runner.
- Made to order in 5 to 6 weeks after payment, then 3 to 5 business days by ground shipping (email us for expedited shipping, at extra cost). It ships separately from the kit.
- Watch the mattress walkthrough.
Pick your kit and model year on the product page. They fit our kits for the Subaru Outback, Forester (2011 and newer), Crosstrek and Ascent, the Toyota RAV4 (2013 and newer), 4Runner (4th, 5th and 6th gen), FJ Cruiser and Prius V, and the Ford Escape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a twin mattress fit?
On our full-width Outback and 4Runner kits, yes on width: a twin is 38 inches wide and those beds are 40 to 40.5 inches. Check the length with the extension out, and expect a thick twin to cost you headroom.
Do I have to buy your mattress?
No. Any mattress sized to the platform works. Ours saves you the measuring and the trimming.
How thick should a car camping mattress be?
On a flat platform, 2 to 3 inches, or up to 4 if you want it softer and have the headroom.
Can I leave the mattress in the car?
Yes. Ours folds to store in the trunk area.
How long does a mattress take?
5 to 6 weeks to make after payment, then 3 to 5 business days by ground shipping. Our kits currently take about 5 to 6 weeks too (the banner at the top of the site has the latest), so ordering both together keeps them close.
Camping alone? Here is what to look for in a one-person platform.