7 items you can fit in an SUV: TVs, mattresses and more

With their spacious interiors and rugged charm, SUVs and crossovers are some of the most popular cars in Canada. And while most drivers use their SUVs as family cars or for daily commuting, these versatile vehicles can also double as cargo haulers. Whether you're shopping for your next vehicle, planning a move or trying to avoid costly delivery fees, it can be helpful to know what kind of items will fit in an SUV.

Of course, what you can fit in an SUV varies between models. From the compact Toyota RAV 4 to the three-row Ford Explorer, you can find a wide range of spacious SUVs for sale on Kijiji Autos. If you're looking for an SUV with lots of cargo space, you might be interested in seven-seater SUVs.

Discover seven common items that fit in an SUV below.

Can a 75-inch TV fit in an SUV?

A 75-inch TV can fit in some larger SUVs but may be easier to transport in a pickup truck or minivan. Most manufacturers and retailers suggest transporting big-screen TVs upright and in their original boxes. This is especially important for plasma TVs. Keep in mind that large TVs are quite flexible, and transporting them in a horizontal position could cause damage to the screen.

If you choose to transport your TV flat, any resulting damage to the screen may void the manufacturer's warranty. To determine whether a 75-inch TV will fit in your SUV, start by comparing the package dimensions to the interior dimensions of your vehicle. You can measure by hand or check the dimensions on the manufacturer's website.

The most important measurements are the height and length of the box and the height and length of your SUV's cargo area with the seats folded flat.

Will a 55-inch TV fit in an SUV?

A 55-inch TV will fit in many mid-size and full-size SUVs. Nissan advises that you can fit a 55-inch TV in a Nissan Murano, while the compact Nissan Rogue accommodates up to a 50-inch TV.

To determine whether a 55-inch TV will fit in your SUV, compare the size of the box to the size of your vehicle's cargo area, keeping in mind that retailers and manufacturers recommend transporting large-screen TVs in an upright position to avoid damage.

If you don't have your TV's original box or the box is too big to fit in your SUV, protect the TV with bubble wrap or blankets for the move. To prevent the TV from shifting or falling while you drive, it's a good idea to use straps to secure it in an upright position.

Can a full mattress fit in an SUV?

Planning to buy a new mattress and wondering how to get it home? Whether you can fit a full, double or queen mattress in an SUV depends on the type of mattress.

A foam mattress or spring mattress that comes rolled or in a box will fit in most SUVs. To check whether a new foam mattress will fit in your car, compare the length of the mattress to the length of your vehicle's cargo area. Double mattresses are 75 inches long, while queen and king mattresses are 80 inches long.

As most mattresses are flexible, even unrolled ones can fit in an SUV. For example, a double mattress can fit in the back of a Ford Edge, and a queen mattress can fit in a Toyota Highlander. Foam mattresses can also be folded in half, helping them fit in compact SUVs like the Honda CR-V. Here's how:

How to fit a mattress in a SUV

1. To keep your mattress clean during transport, start by placing it in a high-quality mattress moving bag.
2. With a friend or partner, fold the mattress in half. Use straps or rope to secure it in the folded position.
3. Next, fold down the second and third-row seats in your SUV. Depending on the size of your vehicle, you may also need to move the front passenger seat forward.
4. Slide the folded mattress into the rear of the SUV, manoeuvring it forward until you can safely close the back door.

Can a Peloton fit in an SUV?

Most exercise bikes, including Peloton bikes, can fit in an SUV. However, if you're planning to move a Peloton, keep in mind that they're pretty heavy. As a Peloton weighs up to 140 lbs, it may be easier to have it delivered. But moving a Peloton yourself isn't an impossible task. Assembled Peloton bikes have small transport wheels, allowing you to wheel the bike short distances, for example from the front door to your car.

Before carefully lifting the Peloton into the back of your SUV, it's a good idea to remove delicate parts like the display screen, pedals and weight holders. Take extra care with the screen, making sure to wrap it in bubble wrap and transport it to a safe and secure spot in your vehicle.

To help the Peloton fit in your car, you can lower the handlebars and seat to the lowest position and lay the bike on its side. Once the Peloton is in the back of your SUV, use tie-down straps or ratchet straps to secure it in place.

Please note that if your Peloton is still under warranty, any damage caused by moving, disassembling or reassembling the bike may void it.

Can a treadmill fit in a SUV?

While you can fit a treadmill in the back of an SUV, it does depend on the type of treadmill and the size of your SUV. Traditional motorized treadmills and curved treadmills are quite big and heavy, making them a challenge to move. On the other hand, folding treadmills, desk treadmills and walking pads are smaller and lighter, making them easy to transport with an SUV. Some folding treadmills are even small enough to fit comfortably in the back of a hatchback.

Before attempting to fit a treadmill in your SUV, measure the height and length of your vehicle's cargo space with the seats folded flat, as well as the height of the rear hatch. As treadmills come in a variety of weights, ranging from about 50 to 400 lbs, make sure you have enough manpower to safely lift the equipment in and out of your SUV. To fit a non-folding treadmill in an SUV, you will likely have to disassemble it.

Can a futon fit in a SUV?

Thinner and more flexible than a regular mattress, a futon mattress can easily fit into most cars. To fit a futon mattress into an SUV, you can lay it flat on the floor or fold and tie it with straps. Moving a futon frame can be a bit trickier.

As when moving any large item, start by measuring the length and width of the futon frame and compare it with the length and width of your vehicle's cargo space. Depending on the size of your SUV and the type of futon frame, you should be able to fit it in the back.

However, if you need to move a used futon frame, you may need to take it apart before placing it in your vehicle.

Can a dishwasher fit in an SUV?

When transporting a dishwasher in an SUV, make sure the appliance is clean and dry, protect the floor of your vehicle with a cargo liner or tarp and use tie-down straps to keep the dishwasher upright and stable.

If you need to move a dishwasher in an SUV, the most important thing to consider is the height of the dishwasher and the height of your car's cargo space. This is because a dishwasher must remain upright throughout the moving process. Laying a dishwasher on its side or back during transport could damage the inner workings. A standard dishwasher is about 35 inches tall. A Honda CR-V has an impressive 39 inches of vertical cargo space, making it ideal for moving a dishwasher.

On the other hand, the much larger Toyota Highlander only has 30 inches of vertical cargo space, and the cargo hold of the Chevrolet Suburban is 35.5 inches high, making it difficult to safely move a standard dishwasher.

Can a washing machine fit in an SUV?

A standard-sized washing machine will fit in some SUVs, as long as you fold down or remove the back seats first. To make sure the washing machine will fit in your vehicle, first measure the appliance and the cargo hold of your SUV. While it may be easier to fit a washing machine in your SUV on its side or back, manufacturers and moving professionals recommend transporting washers and dryers in an upright position to prevent damage to the drum.

If you need to move a used washing machine, ensure that it is fully drained and install transit bolts for the duration of the move. When transporting a large appliance like a washing machine, it's always a good idea to use an appliance dolly and to have help lifting the machine in and out of your vehicle.