Caravan and Camper Cushions: Replace, Re-cover or Re-foam?

Quick answer: If the foam is still firm and springs back when you press it, replace just the covers. If it stays flat, crumbles or smells musty, replace the foam too. Measure the seat bases and bed area in mm, not the old cushions, which shrink and sag over time.

Caravan and camper cushions are seats by day and a bed by night, and they cope with heat, dust and humidity on the road. Here is how to work out what you need.

Replace, re-cover or re-foam?

• Covers only: the foam is fine but the fabric is faded or stained. Order covers sewn to your foam size.
• Foam only: the covers are good but the seats have gone flat. Order foam cut to size.
• Complete cushions: both are worn, or you want a fresh look.

How to measure dinettes and bunks

1. Measure each seat base and back: width, depth and thickness, in mm.
2. Measure the made-up bed area so the pieces fit together without gaps.
3. For angled or curved pieces, make a paper template and send a photo.
4. Note cut-outs around wheel arches, table legs or steps.

Our measuring guide in mm shows each step, and we send a spec sheet for approval before cutting.

Fabric and foam for life on the road

• Faux leather wipes clean and suits families, dogs and red dust.
• Sunbrella resists stains, fading and mould, and covers can be machine washed.
• Warwick upholstery gives a softer, homely feel inside the van.
• Foam: high density foam for seats and beds; a softer foam for backs only. Foam for Australian orders is made in Australia by our partner Premier Group.

Timing

Standard shapes take 2–3 weeks to make and template shapes 5–6 weeks, with free shipping Australia-wide. Start in our caravan and camper cushion range.

Measuring a caravan or camper in millimetres

1. Take every cushion out and number it, with a matching number on the seat base.
2. Measure each base: front width, back width and depth.
3. Measure backrests from the seat to where the cushion should finish.
4. Write down the thickness you want. Most seats and beds suit 100–130 mm.
5. Photograph each seat with the tape in shot.

We cut every piece within ±13 mm of your measurements and remake it free if the cut is outside that. A cushion made to a measuring error can't be returned, so check twice.

Making the bed lie flat

Dinettes and club lounges often convert to a bed with an infill. Use the same thickness and the same firm foam for every piece that forms the bed, so there's no step or dip at the joins. Keep softer foam for backrests that never become part of the bed.

Heat, dust and humidity on the road

• Outback trips: red dust gets into woven fabric. Faux leather wipes clean, and zipped covers can be washed when you get home.
• The tropical north: humidity and condensation can bring mould. Air the van, lift cushions to dry the lockers and choose fabrics that resist mould.
• Storage in summer: a closed van gets very hot. Shade the windows so fabric colours last.

If mould has already appeared, see how to remove mould from cushions.

Annexe and awning seating

Chairs and lounges under the awning get both sun and rain. Choose Sunbrella with quick-drain Dryfast foam so they dry fast after a storm.

Mistakes to avoid

• Copying the old cushions instead of measuring the bases.
• A seat so thick the table can't drop into bed position.
• Soft foam on seats; Super Soft is for backs only.
• Forgetting cut-outs for wheel arches and table legs.

Delivery

Shipping is free Australia-wide and GST is handled for you, so nothing is due on delivery. If your foam arrives vacuum-packed, let it expand for 12–18 hours before fitting. See import duty and GST on cushions for the details.

Which fabric for which van?

A family van that sees dogs, sand and red dust is best in faux leather or Sunbrella, both of which wipe or wash clean. A couple's weekend camper can take a softer upholstery weave. Whatever you choose, keep the covers zipped so you can wash them after a long trip. If you are unsure of a colour, order swatches first.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my caravan foam needs replacing?

Press the middle of the seat. If it stays flat, feels crumbly or smells musty, replace it.

Can you match the shape of my existing cushions?

Yes. Send measurements or a paper template of each piece and we cut to that shape.

Which fabric is best for a family caravan?

Faux leather or Sunbrella, both of which clean easily and handle daily use.