Finding the right sofa cover for your RV starts with one simple step: measuring your sofa correctly.
RV sofas come in different shapes and sizes, and jackknife sofas can be especially tricky because they are designed to fold down into a bed. A cover that fits well should look neat when the sofa is upright while still allowing the sofa to convert into a sleeping surface when designed for that use.
In this guide, we'll show you how to measure an RV sofa step by step, including the backrest, seat, depth, and overall dimensions. By the end, you'll know what measurements to compare when choosing an RV sofa cover size.
What You'll Need
You don't need any special tools.
Just grab:
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A soft measuring tape
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A pen or your phone to record measurements
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A few minutes to measure your sofa
A soft measuring tape works best because RV sofas often have rounded edges and cushions that aren't perfectly flat.
Tip: Measure in inches if the product's size chart is listed in inches.
Step 1: Identify Your RV Sofa Type
Before measuring, take a moment to identify what type of sofa you have.
If your sofa folds forward or backward to create a sleeping surface, it may be a jackknife sofa or RV sofa bed.
A typical RV jackknife sofa has:
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A backrest
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A seat cushion
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A folding mechanism
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A sleeping surface when converted into a bed
This matters because a cover designed for a standard stationary sofa may not be the best choice for a folding RV sofa.
If your sofa converts into a bed, make sure the cover you choose is specifically designed or described for that type of sofa.
Step 2: Measure the Backrest Width
Start with the backrest.
Place your measuring tape horizontally across the front of the backrest, from the far left edge to the far right edge.
Record this measurement.
Backrest Width
Left edge → Right edge
For example:
60 inches
Your actual measurement may be different, so always use your own sofa measurements when choosing a cover.
Why does backrest width matter?
The width of the backrest is one of the most important measurements for determining whether an RV sofa cover will fit properly.
A cover that is too narrow may not fully cover the sofa, while one that is excessively large may have more loose fabric than you want.
Step 3: Measure the Backrest Height
Next, measure the height of the backrest.
Measure from the bottom of the backrest cushion or sofa structure to the highest point of the backrest.
Backrest Height
Bottom → Top
Record the measurement in inches.
Keep in mind that the exact measurement method can vary depending on your sofa's construction and the cover's size chart.
Always compare your measurements with the specific product's size chart before ordering.
Step 4: Measure the Seat Width
Now measure the seat cushion.
Place your measuring tape across the seat from the far left edge to the far right edge.
Seat Width
Left edge → Right edge
For a typical RV jackknife sofa, the seat width will usually be similar to the backrest width, but don't assume they are exactly the same.
Measure both.
Step 5: Measure the Seat Depth
The next measurement is the seat depth.
Measure from the front edge of the seat cushion toward the back of the sofa.
Seat Depth
Front edge → Back edge
This measurement is particularly useful when comparing your sofa with the dimensions listed by the cover manufacturer.
For RV sofa covers, the seat depth can affect how much fabric is available to cover the cushion and surrounding areas.
Step 6: Measure the Cushion Thickness
If your sofa cover's size chart includes cushion thickness, measure the thickness of the seat and backrest cushions.
Measure from the top surface of the cushion to the bottom.
Seat Cushion Thickness
Top → Bottom
Backrest Cushion Thickness
Top → Bottom
Don't compress the cushion while measuring.
Measure it in its normal, relaxed position.
Step 7: Check Your Sofa's Overall Dimensions
After measuring the individual sections, it's helpful to record your sofa's overall dimensions as well.
Write down:
Overall Width: ______ inches
Backrest Height: ______ inches
Seat Depth: ______ inches
Seat Cushion Thickness: ______ inches
Backrest Thickness: ______ inches
Keeping these measurements together makes it much easier to compare different RV sofa covers.
Step 8: Check the Sofa in Both Positions
This step is especially important for a jackknife sofa or RV sofa bed.
Measure and inspect your sofa when it is:
Sofa Position
The normal upright position used for sitting.
Bed Position
The position used when the sofa is converted into a sleeping surface.
Why?
Because the folding mechanism needs enough room to operate properly.
If you're buying a cover for a folding sofa, look for a design that is specifically intended for an RV jackknife sofa or sofa bed and follow the manufacturer's instructions for use.
RV Sofa Measurement Checklist
Before choosing a cover, you should have the following information:
| Measurement | Your Size |
|---|---|
| Backrest Width | ____ in |
| Backrest Height | ____ in |
| Backrest Thickness | ____ in |
| Seat Width | ____ in |
| Seat Depth | ____ in |
| Seat Thickness | ____ in |
You can save this list on your phone while shopping for your RV sofa cover.
What Size RV Sofa Cover Do I Need?
There isn't one universal RV sofa cover size.
RV furniture can vary considerably between different RVs, campers, motorhomes, and travel trailers.
That's why it's better to compare your measurements with the specific cover's size chart rather than choosing a size based only on the RV model or the number of seats.
For example, two RVs may both have a three-person sofa but use cushions with different widths, depths, or thicknesses.
The safest approach is:
Measure → Compare → Confirm → Order
What About RV Jackknife Sofa Measurements?
Jackknife sofas require a little extra attention because they have a folding design.
When measuring an RV jackknife sofa, focus on:
1. Backrest
Measure:
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Width
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Height
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Thickness
2. Seat
Measure:
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Width
-
Depth
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Thickness
3. Folding Mechanism
Check how the sofa moves when converting into a bed.
4. Cover Design
Make sure the cover is intended for a folding or jackknife sofa if you want to use the sofa's bed function.
Common Measuring Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Measuring only the sofa width
Width is important, but it isn't enough.
A sofa can have the correct width but still have a different seat depth or cushion thickness.
Mistake 2: Measuring only the cushions
Some covers are designed to cover both the cushions and other parts of the sofa.
Follow the manufacturer's measurement instructions rather than assuming that cushion dimensions alone are sufficient.
Mistake 3: Guessing based on your RV model
The same RV model may have different furniture configurations depending on the year, trim, or interior layout.
Your actual sofa measurements are more useful than guessing from the RV model alone.
Mistake 4: Forgetting that your sofa converts into a bed
If you have a jackknife sofa, don't forget to check the folding mechanism.
A cover that looks great in sofa mode isn't useful if it prevents you from using the sofa as intended.
Mistake 5: Buying before checking the size chart
Even if your sofa looks similar to the photos on a product page, always check the manufacturer's measurements before ordering.
How to Get a Better Fit
A good RV sofa cover should look neat without creating excessive loose fabric.
When comparing a cover with your sofa:
Look for:
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Appropriate width
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Appropriate seat depth
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Suitable cushion thickness
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Stretch or flexibility when applicable
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Secure fit
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A design appropriate for your sofa type
Remember that different cover designs fit differently.
A stretchy cover may accommodate a range of dimensions, while a more structured cover may require a closer match.
Choosing the Right JUIN RV Sofa Cover
At JUIN, our RV sofa covers are designed with RV living in mind.
For example, our RV jackknife sofa covers are designed around the separate backrest and seat areas found on many folding RV sofas.
Our current RV sofa cover collection includes options such as:
RV Couch Cover
A versatile option for refreshing the look of your RV sofa while providing everyday protection.
Waterproof RV Couch Cover
Designed with a waterproof layer for RV owners looking for additional protection from spills and everyday messes.
Before purchasing, compare your sofa measurements with the dimensions listed on the specific product page.
A Simple Rule to Remember
If you only remember one thing from this guide, remember:
Don't choose an RV sofa cover by appearance alone. Measure your sofa first.
The right measurements can help you narrow down your options and avoid ordering a cover that doesn't fit the way you expect.
Ready to Measure Your RV Sofa?
Grab your measuring tape and start with these three measurements:
Backrest Width
↓
Seat Width
↓
Seat Depth
Then check the additional dimensions required by the specific cover you're considering.
Once you have your measurements, you can compare them with the product's size chart and choose the option that best matches your RV sofa.
Looking for an RV sofa cover?
Explore JUIN RV Sofa Covers →
Designed to help you refresh and protect the furniture you use every day on the road.