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How to Replace an RV Sleeper Sofa

How to Replace an RV Sleeper Sofa

If you find yourself needing to sleep a few extra guests, adding a sleeper sofa can help. Sleeper sofas are great for adding both lounging and sleeping capacity. It might seem like a daunting task to rip out the current sofa and bring in new furniture, but it doesn’t have to be! Let’s see if a new RV sleeper sofa could be in your future. 

What Is an RV Sleeper Sofa? 

An RV sleeper sofa is a functional piece of furniture in your RV with a dual purpose. These sofas easily transform from a place to sit to a place to sleep, with very little investment of time or effort. They’re great for those who need extra beds but don’t want to take away space from the living area.  

Traditional RV Sleeper Sofa
Source: recpro.com

How to Remove Your RV Sleeper Sofa

Removing the current sofa to bring in a replacement is relatively easy. Most RV sleeper sofas disassemble by removing a few nuts and bolts. You can remove the sofa from the RV in multiple smaller pieces.

Getting a Sleeper Sofa Through the Door

One of the concerns many RVers have when purchasing new furniture is its ability to fit through the door. Sleeper sofas can be big and bulky, and many won’t work for an RV. It’s essential to research your purchase thoroughly. Purchasing a sleeper sofa that won’t fit through the door only leads to frustration and wasted money. 

Best RV COUCH- So comfortable

How to Measure for an RV Sofa Replacement

To ensure your new RV sleeper sofa will not only fit through the door but also in its new floorspace, take accurate measurements. First, measure the height and width of your door at its smallest points. Measuring the door diagonally from corner to corner can also be helpful. 

When looking at the dimensions of your new sofa, be sure that it will fit through the door without actually rubbing against the door frame. If the sofa comes in multiple pieces, bring each piece in individually and assemble the unit inside the RV. 

Measuring doesn’t end with the door. After all of your work getting the sofa in the door, you don’t want to be disappointed with how it fits. Measure the space you have for your new sofa. In this case, every inch matters. If the sofa is going on a slide, make sure the entire sofa sits on the slide itself and doesn’t interfere with the slide closing completely. 

Where to Buy

You don’t need to buy RV-specific furniture. Many companies produce furniture that works great in small spaces, including RVs. 

One trendy option for replacement RV furniture is Ikea. Ikea makes many sleeper sofa options that work well in an RV. Ikea’s sofas come in many sizes and weights. You can even find modular units, which are easier to bring into an RV and customize. You can also buy online at places like Amazon, Wayfair, and Overstock.

Many people still feel most comfortable purchasing furniture made specifically for RVs. Recpro.com is an excellent place for a wide variety of RV products, including RV sleeper sofas. RecPro offers great-looking RV furniture without breaking the bank.

ProTip:  Use our cupon code  “ONTHEMOVE5 at Recpro to get 5% off an order!

With all of these options, it’s important to consider the dimensions and weight of the sofa. Weight adds up very quickly when making changes to an RV. If you’ve recently added a few new items, be sure to swing by a CAT scale to ensure you are still within your weight limits. 

How Much Do They Cost? 

Whether you’re working on a tight budget or splurging on your new RV sleeper sofa, you’ve got options. Decide what you’re looking for and how much you want to spend before you begin your search. Having a few ideas will help narrow down your options. 

For those hoping to keep costs down, there are many RV buying and selling groups online in places such as Facebook Marketplace. These used options are often the most budget-friendly. 

Big-box stores like Ikea, Target, Walmart, and online retailers often offer middle-of-the-road budget and quality. Be on the lookout for sales when making your purchase. Sleeper sofas will cost about $200-$600 at stores like these. 

Typically, RV-specific retailers find themselves on the more expensive end of the spectrum.  Many RVers are willing to accept the higher cost for peace of mind. RV sleeper sofas can cost between $1,000-$2,000 from RV retailers. 

Are Sleeper Sofas Comfortable? 

While sleeper sofas as a whole aren’t as comfortable as standard beds, they can still lead to a great night of sleep. Many users will be satisfied with the comfort of the sleeper sofa, especially if they aren’t sleeping on it every night. If your sofa isn’t meeting your needs, try adding a topper.

Jackknife Couch
Source: recpro.com

RV Sleeper Sofa vs. Jackknife Couch

The main difference between these two products is the way they transform. Both can function as standard couches. Generally, the sleeping surface is larger on RV sleeper sofas versus Jackknife couches. 

RV sleeper sofas usually have a mattress that folds into the sofa. Jackknife couches, on the other hand, function similarly to a futon. They pull slightly away from the wall, and the back of the couch flattens to create a sleeping space. 

Add Sleeping Space to Your RV

A new sleeper sofa can refresh your interior and add sleeping space to your RV. They’re great for those who have family and friends that sometimes join on their travels.

Trifold Sleeper Sofa
Source: recpro.com

Do you have an RV sleeper sofa? Let us know what you think about it in the comments.

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About Mortons on the Move

Tom & Caitlin Morton of Mortons on the Move gave up the stationary life for one where they are constantly on the move. They are full-time travelers, television hosts, and digital media producers.
They left their jobs, sold their house and possessions, and hit the road in September 2015 in their full-time “home on wheels”. Since then they have traveled the US, Canada, and even internationally by RV.
Now, they are Discovery Channel & PBS TV Co-stars of The RVers, producers of “Go North” on Amazon Prime, co-founders and instructors of RV Masterclass, and contributing authors for Hwy.co and an Arizona travel guide.

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