Caravan and Motorhome 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, not the old cushions, which shrink and sag over time.

Caravan and motorhome cushions work hard: they are seats by day and a bed by night, and they live in a space that gets damp in winter. Here is how to decide what you need and how to get the fit right.

Replace, re-cover or re-foam?

• Covers only: the foam is fine but the fabric is faded, stained or dated. Order made-to-measure 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 new look and a better night's sleep.

How to measure dinettes and bunks

1. Measure each seat base and back: width, depth and thickness.
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 any cut-outs, such as around wheel arches or table legs.

Our measuring guide walks through each step, and we send a spec sheet for approval before cutting.

Fabric and foam for caravans

• Faux leather wipes clean and suits families and pets.
• Sunbrella resists stains, fading and mould, and covers can be machine washed.
• Warwick upholstery gives a softer, homely feel.
• Foam: high density foam for seats and beds; a softer foam for backs only. Foam for UK orders is made and cut in the UK by our partner GB Foam Direct.

Timing

Standard shapes take 2–3 weeks to make, and template shapes take 5–6 weeks, with free UK delivery. Ordering over winter means your caravan is ready for the first trip of spring. Start in our caravan and motorhome cushion range.

Measuring caravan cushions in centimetres

1. Take every cushion out and number it, with a matching number on the seat base in chalk or masking tape.
2. Measure the seat base for each position: width at the front, width at the back and depth.
3. Measure each backrest from the seat to where the cushion should finish.
4. Write down the thickness you want. Most caravan seats and beds suit 10–13 cm.
5. Photograph each seat with the tape in shot, so odd angles can be checked.

We cut every piece within ±13 mm of the size you order, and remake it free if we miss that. Our guide to measuring cushions in centimetres covers templates for curved front lounges.

Making the bed lie flat

A front lounge or dinette often becomes a double bed with slats or an infill. Use the same thickness for every piece that forms the bed, and choose a firm foam so the joins don't dip. Back cushions can be softer, but only if they never become part of the bed.

Keeping cushions fresh over winter

• If the van is stored with cushions inside, stand them on edge with the lockers open.
• Better still, bring them home to a dry room.
• Never store them in sealed plastic bags.
• Wash covers before storing them; Sunbrella covers can go in the machine on a gentle cycle.

If mould has already appeared, our guide to cleaning Sunbrella cushions and removing mould explains what to do.

Mistakes to avoid

• Copying old cushions. They shrink and sag; measure the seat bases.
• Too thick a seat. Extra height can stop a table lowering or a locker lid opening. Check clearances first.
• Soft foam on seats. Super Soft foam is for backs only.
• Forgetting cut-outs. Wheel arches and table legs need to be marked.

Delivery

Delivery is free across the UK, with import duty and VAT paid, so nothing is due when the parcel arrives. If your foam comes vacuum-packed, open it and leave it 12–18 hours to recover its full size before fitting. Running a holiday park? See our holiday park and lodge cushions page.

Which fabric for which van?

A touring caravan used by a family with dogs is best in faux leather or Sunbrella, which wipe or wash clean. A motorhome used by a couple for weekends away can take a softer upholstery weave. Whatever you choose, keep the covers zipped so you can wash them at the end of the season.

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 stand up to daily use.