Best RV Jackknife Sofa Options
- RV Propane Fill Stations Guide - February 17, 2022
- Geico RV Insurance Review and Guide - February 17, 2022
- Best Airstream Alternatives To Consider - October 28, 2021
So you just bought your first RV, but it needs a few upgrades since you didn’t want to spring for a brand new one. One good place to start making improvements to your home on wheels is by purchasing the for the living area.
If you’re in the market for a new RV sofa, you might consider a jackknife sofa. These are quickly becoming more popular among RVers, as it offers an easy way for travelers to quickly pull out a bed without a lot of effort.
My Top Picks
After much personal testing, YouTubing, and research from RVers in our network, the following jackknife RV sleepers made the list…
- RecPro Charles –Â Best Overall
- Thomas Payne Sofa – Easiest to Maintain
- Lippert Components Sofa – Best Space Conscious Design
- RB Component Sofa –Â Best Wall Mount Option
- Thomas Payne w/Leg Kit – Best for Storage
What is a JackKnife Sofa?
Of course, that begs the question, what is a jackknife sofa? A jackknife sofa in an RV is a couch that can be pulled out to make an . The only thing you have to do is pull down on the seat, then lay it flat.
The benefit here is an excellent alternative to a typical pull-out sofa. It’s lighter and easier to move, plus you don’t have to deal with a mattress. Jackknife sofas are also popular because they are much more affordable than their hide-a-bed counterparts.
This is just a general description of what you’ll encounter when you get a jackknife sofa for your RV. Truthfully, there is much more you should be aware of before you make the decision to buy one.
That’s where we come in. We’re going to walk through everything you should know about RV jackknife sofas, along with which ones are the best on the market. So without further ado, let’s begin.
What You Need to Know
Let’s take a closer look at what jackknife sofas really are. For example, what are the benefits of owning a jackknife sofa? What are some of the drawbacks? How should you care for your jackknife sofa?
Having the answers to these and other questions will give you a better idea of what it is that makes these RV sofas so popular.
A Closer Look
One of the first things you’ll notice when you begin looking at jackknife sofas is that they look like a pretty typical couch or sofa. They’re most often made from the same cloth or leather material you’ll find on your sofa at home.
That means you’re not sacrificing comfort. These sofas are big enough for at least a few people and comfortable enough that you can sit down and watch a movie and not have to worry about needing a hot pad for your back.
What makes a jackknife sofa different is that you can easily pull it out to make a single person bed. It does this by sliding the back down while, which turns the sofa into a flat surface. This is perfect if you have guests staying with you in your RV for a few days.
You can find jackknife sofas in a wide range of sizes. Some are as short as 60 inches, while others can reach 75 inches in length. That means no matter how much or little space you have in your RV, you should have no problem finding a jackknife sofa that will fit.
Caring for Your Jackknife Sofa
If you’re already taking good care of your sofa, loveseat, or couch, then you’re ahead of the game. Taking care of your jackknife sofa isn’t much different. The biggest difference is being careful when you turn your jackknife sofa into a bed.
Be sure you have enough room while pushing down on the sofa, otherwise, you might wind up with rips or tears if it gets caught on something pointy or sharp. Outside of that, just be sure you follow any cleaning instructions that came with the sofa itself.
Not following the provided instructions could wind up causing unforeseen problems. For instance, if you use the wrong cleaner, you could ruin the fabric on your sofa. So to ensure that your jackknife sofa continues to look pristine, be sure you read the manual and instructions before cleaning it.
Things to Consider When Purchasing a Jackknife Sofa
There are plenty of things to think about while you’re shopping for an RV sofa. Here are some of the more important areas to consider while you’re looking.
Frame Durability
Keep an eye out for jackknife sofas that use flimsy materials for the frame. Specifically, look for sofas that are built from kiln-dried hardwood. This type of material tends to be more durable and holds up well year-over-year.
It’s essential that your sofa has a sturdy frame since it will spend a lot of time in a moving vehicle. Selecting a solid option means you’re not replacing your sofa every few months. While cheap options can be enticing, it’s not going to last near as long as you’d like.
Mattress
If you want to have a good night’s sleep, then you want to be sure you’re getting a sofa that has a comfortable mattress. Before you buy, make sure that the seat, and the mattress within it, are comfortable to lay on.
For example, getting a spring mattress might save you some money upfront, but your guests may not sleep as well. For the time being, your best option is to go with a foam RV mattress. Be sure it’s high density so you can’t feel the metal bar that’s beneath it.
Size
When it comes to living in an RV, space is everything, which means you need to pick an RV jackknife sofa that’s going to fit. Compact and creative designs are going to be key, as well as sofas that offer options for additional storage.
Benefits of a Jackknife Sofa
There are plenty of reasons why it makes sense to use a jackknife sofa in your RV. Let’s take a look at why you might want to install a jackknife sofa so you can get a better idea of whether or not purchasing one makes sense for you.
Affordability
I don’t know about you, but one of the primary factors for me, when I’m outfitting my RV, is cost. Jackknife sofas, for the most part, are much easier on the wallet than other pull-out options. As a matter of fact, you could wind up paying quite a bit less if you choose to go with a jackknife sofa.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive and affordable way to ensure that your guests have a place to lay their heads at night, a jackknife sofa isn’t a bad option.
Move with Ease
Jackknife sofas made for RVs don’t have heavy mattresses that you find with other convertible sofas. As a result, jackknife sofas are much easier to move than other options on the market. This is really handy when it comes to putting a new one into your RV.
Great for Guests
If you’re having guests stay in your RV, a jackknife sofa is the perfect sleeping solution. Just pull on the seat of the sofa and your guest has a comfortable place to sleep. There are some jackknife sofas on the market that are large enough for two people.
Space Conscious
Another nice benefit of having a jackknife sofa is the amount of space it doesn’t take up. RV jackknife sofas need much less room than your standard pull-out, which means you have more free space in your RV, where space is already at a premium!
Quick and Simple Transformation
Transforming your jackknife sofa from couch to bed and back is a quick and easy process. With many jackknife sofas, all you need to do is pull the seat of the sofa out and lay it flat. That’s it. Other sofas aren’t going to offer such a smooth transition, which is why it makes more sense to go with a jackknife.
Best RV Jackknife Sofa Options
So now you know what a jackknife sofa is and how it’s beneficial to have one in your RV. But which ones are the best ones on the market? Let’s take a look at some of the best RV jackknife sofa options, so you have a good idea of what you can expect when purchasing one.
Below are a few of our favorite RV jackknife sofas and are considered by many to be some of the best on the market. Each one on our list offers a comfortable and reliable option with the functionality and versatility often needed in an RV.
We hope you enjoy our list of the best RV jackknife sofa options as much as we do.
RecPro Charles – Best Overall
The RecPro Charles is at the top of our list as the best jackknife sleeper sofa for your RV. No matter what size you need, you’ll find that this sofa provides the perfect design and comfort for both you and your guests.
You’ll discover that the RecPro Charles offers plenty of comfort due to its Suprima fabric. The material is very soft, which means when your guests will have a good night’s rest. Plus, it has a robust and reliable metal frame.
Having a sturdy frame means your sofa isn’t going to wear down quickly as it suffers the constant movement of being in an RV. As a result, you should expect that RecPro Charles to be your sofa for years to come.
Additionally, it doesn’t hurt that the RecPro Charles has a variety of colors to choose from so you can be sure you’re getting a sofa that works with your interior decorations. Lastly, the RecPro Charles goes from sofa to bed in a matter of seconds.
There’s no hassle or complicated maneuvers required. In no time flat, you can turn your jackknife sofa into a comfortable bed for your guests.
The RecPro Charles is at the TOP of our list as the best jackknife sleeper sofa for you. No matter the size, you’ll find that this sofa provides the perfect design and comfort.
Thomas Payne RV Jackknife Sofa – Easiest to Maintain
The Thomas Payne jackknife sofa is made of Euro-leather vinyl, which gives it a great look while making it easy to maintain and clean. If you don’t have the time – or don’t want to put forth the effort – to regularly clean your RV sofa, the Thomas Payne might be the choice for you.
It doesn’t hurt that this jackknife sofa is very easy to convert from sofa to bed. It’s a quick and easy three-step process that won’t require much of your time. And since the sofa consists of high-density foam, it’s comfortable as a bed as well.
The foam works so well that whoever you have slept on this jackknife sofa is almost assured to get a good night’s sleep. Plus, the Thomas Payne jackknife sofa uses a steel frame, so it’s not susceptible to rust and scratches.
Supportive high-density foam covered in low-maintenance PolyHyde upholstery with contrasting top stitching.
Lippert Components Jackknife Sofa – Best Design
Easily the best part of the Libbert Components RV jackknife sofa is its design. You’ll notice that the sofa is made of high-quality PolyHyde, which will leave your guests jealous. The material is easy to clean and durable, so you know you’re getting a great sofa.
If you choose to go with the Lippert Components jackknife sofa, you’re getting a sofa that is comfortable, durable, and reliable. Like the Thomas Payne, this jackknife sofa uses high-density foam, so you know your guest is going to get a good night’s sleep.
Plus, the Libbert jackknife sofa is easy to convert. With one motion, it will go from sofa to bed, which is less for you when it’s time to hit the sack.
The best part about this high-quality Libbert Components RV Jackknife Sofa is the amazing design will leave your guests jealous.
RB Component RV Jackknife Sofa – Best Wall Mount Option
While some might argue whether or not a wall-mounted sofa is truly a jackknife sofa, we wanted to include this option on our list. Especially since there are some RVs that only have room for a sofa that mounts to the wall.
The RB Component is a high-quality product that will last over the long haul. It’s a great compact RV sofa that will fit perfectly into small and tight spaces. If you’re the toy hauler type of RV person, a wall-mounted sofa might be the perfect option for you.
This sofa is sturdy and resilient, so you know it’s going to last. For those that often have guests or additional visitors, this is an excellent way to save space while providing a place to sleep. The minimalist look is deceiving as the RB Component is covered with tough vinyl.
No matter what, going with a wall-mounted RV sofa will not only save you precious space but will also give your guests a place to lie down at night.
Thomas Payne RV Jackknife Sofa with Leg Kit – Best for Storage
We’ve already included a Thomas Payne RV sofa on our list, but we wanted to include this one as it offers a distinct feature that sets it apart from other jackknife sofas on the market. The leg kit is a feature that provides you additional storage beneath your couch.
More than likely, this is a huge boon for RVers, as space is always something that is in short supply. It doesn’t hurt that the sofa has a removable kickboard which helps make using it that much easier.
In addition to a leg kit, this option in the Thomas Payne lineup also offers remove headboard inclusions. This, along with all the typical features you get with a Thomas Payne RV jackknife sofa, makes this a tough piece of furniture to pass on.
The leg kit in this Thomas Payne RV Jackknife Sofa with Leg Ki is a feature that provides you additional storage beneath your couch, which is always a Plus in the RV Life
FAQs
Here are some of the more common questions you might find that pertain to RV jackknife sofas.
Are there ways to make my RV jackknife sofa bed more comfortable for my guests?
Of course, there are! One great way to provide additional comfort is through the use of a mattress topper. This gives your guests a few extra inches between themselves and the sofa mattress.
You could also fill in any holes or gaps in the sofa with pillows to keep your guests from sliding into them. Lastly, provide quality bedding for your guests so they’re always as comfortable as possible.
Are RV jackknife sofas worth the cost?
It really depends on your needs, but many RVers will tell you they’re worth it. They provide additional areas for guests to sleep, which is especially handy if you only have a single sofa in your RV. Typically, jackknife sofas are durable and there are plenty of options for your guests to sleep comfortably.
Where can I purchase an RV jackknife sofa?
If you decide you want to buy an RV jackknife sofa, there are several places you can look. Some people like to go straight to the dealership to find a sofa that goes with their RV. Others use popular retailers like Lazydays RV or the Motorcoach Store.
Of course, if all else fails, you can resort to online and social media options like Amazon, Craigslist, and Facebook Market.
Can an RV jackknife sofa be slept on every day?
There are a wide variety of sofa bed options on the market that are perfect for your RV needs. The best ones out there are comfortable, durable, and designed specifically for everyday use. So whether you need it for a one night guest or for someone who’s staying for a while, an RV jackknife sofa is a good choice.
Which One is Right For You?
Supportive high-density foam covered in low-maintenance PolyHyde upholstery with contrasting top stitching.
The answer to this question really depends on what you need for your RV. We really like what Thomas Payne has to offer, but this might be outside your budget or they simply may not offer an option that fits in your RV.
Regardless, take your time and find a jackknife RV sofa that makes sense for your needs. If you have children it might make sense to purchase a more durable option. Or, if you rarely have guests, you may want one that’s more comfortable when you sit on it.
No matter which one you choose, an RV jackknife sofa is a great investment for your RV. They are lightweight, help save space, and are easy to transform from sofa to bed and back. So the next time you’re in the market for a sofa for your RV, consider buying a jackknife sofa. They’re perfect for almost any excursion.
Further Reading on RV Improvements and Upgrades:Â
