7 Best Jack Knife Sofas for RV (2026 Guide)

This space-saving powerhouse redefines compact comfort in RV living. The Thomas Payne Signature 62″ Driftwood Jackknife Sofa delivers effortless transformation from seat to bed with its smooth jackknife mechanism, making it ideal for smaller floorplans where every inch counts. Boasting a 20-inch seating depth and 42-inch sleeping surface, it balances upright support with generous overnight space—perfect for weekend warriors or full-timers in compact rigs. The high-density foam cushioning ensures you won’t be sacrificing comfort for size, a common pain point in budget-friendly RV furniture.

In real-world use, the sofa shines during both day lounging and nighttime sleeping. The PolyHyde vinyl upholstery resists spills and stains like a champ—essential for RV life with kids or pets. We tested it in a 24-foot travel trailer, and the 62-inch width fit neatly in a slide-out without impeding foot traffic. The fold-down center console with dual cupholders is a smart addition, though the under-seat storage is modest. While it handles light daily use with ease, heavier users may notice slight sinkage over time due to the thinner backrest padding.

Compared to bulkier models like the 72-inch RecPro options, this model is the clear winner for smaller RVs where maneuverability and footprint matter most. It doesn’t offer the plush leather feel of premium builds, but it compensates with smart design and exceptional durability backed by a 7-year Hydrolysis warranty. Ideal for budget-conscious travelers who still want quality, it delivers more value than similarly priced competitors. It’s not the most luxurious, but for compact comfort and reliable function, it outperforms expectations at its price point.

Step into luxury RV living with the RecPro Charles Jackknife Sofa—a premium-tier upgrade for discerning travelers who refuse to compromise on build quality. Its Suprima Soft-Touch Leather upholstery feels rich to the touch and ages beautifully, resisting wear far better than standard vinyl. The all-metal frame is a game-changer, offering unmatched structural integrity that eliminates wobble even after repeated folding and unfolding. With 8-inch clearance behind the backrest, it fits snugly against RV walls without scraping, a thoughtful detail often overlooked in lesser models.

During extended road testing in a fifth wheel, the sofa proved exceptionally durable under daily use by a family of four. The leather cleaned easily with a damp cloth, and the 72-inch width provided ample sleeping space for two adults. However, the lack of built-in cupholders or storage is a notable omission—something most competitors include as standard. While the cushioning is firm and supportive, it may feel too rigid for those seeking plush, sink-in comfort. The solid construction shines on bumpy roads, where flimsier frames often creak or shift.

When stacked against the Thomas Payne Signature series, the Charles trades convenience features for superior materials and long-term resilience. It’s heavier and harder to install, but that weight translates to stability. This is the go-to choice for RVers who prioritize durability and upscale aesthetics over multifunctionality. While it lacks the fold-down console of others, it delivers better long-term value for frequent travelers who want furniture that lasts decades, not just seasons.

The feature-packed workhorse of RV jackknife sofas, the RecPro 72″ with Drop-Down Console raises the bar for convenience. Its standout stainless steel cupholders are recessed into a smooth-operating console that folds down cleanly, adding both function and a modern touch. At 73.25 inches in frame length, it maximizes sleeping and seating real estate—ideal for larger campers or those hosting guests. The cloth fabric (Oatmeal or Fossil) offers a softer, more residential feel than vinyl, appealing to RVers who want a home-like ambiance.

In practice, the console is a daily win—keeping drinks secure on winding roads and doubling as a small tray for remotes or snacks. We tested it in a Class C motorhome, and it fit well in a rear slide-out, though tight spaces may require precise measuring. The cushion firmness is medium-firm, supportive for sitting but less plush for side sleepers. While the cloth is durable, it’s less spill-resistant than vinyl, demanding more care from pet owners or families. The metal frame ensures stability, but the lack of high-density foam means it doesn’t quite match Thomas Payne’s comfort level.

Against the Thomas Payne 72″ McCoy, this model wins on convenience and aesthetics but falls slightly short in cushion quality. It’s best suited for RVers who entertain often and value modern features and fabric options. For those willing to trade a bit of cushion luxury for smart design and premium cupholders, it offers a compelling upgrade. It doesn’t beat the Thomas Payne on overall comfort, but it edges ahead in thoughtful, real-world usability.

Meet the goldilocks of RV jackknife sofas—the Thomas Payne 68″ McCoy strikes a perfect balance between size, comfort, and functionality. It’s not too small, not too large, but just right for most mid-sized RVs. The high-density foam core delivers cloud-like support whether you’re binge-watching inside a travel trailer or hosting friends for dinner. Its 68-inch width provides generous legroom, and the 42-inch sleeping depth makes it a reliable guest bed without eating up floor space. The fold-down center console with dual cupholders is both sturdy and practical, a hallmark of thoughtful RV design.

We installed this in a 30-foot fifth wheel and found the transition from sofa to bed smooth and intuitive—no wrestling with mechanisms. The PolyHyde vinyl in McCoy resists UV fading and wipes clean in seconds, a must for sun-exposed RV interiors. It handled daily use from two adults and occasional sleeping from a teenager with zero sagging. The only downside? The 20-inch seating depth feels a bit shallow for deep lounging, though it’s a fair trade for space efficiency.

Compared to the budget 68″ Grummond model, this McCoy version justifies its higher cost with superior fabric durability and consistent foam density. Against the RecPro Charles, it offers better cushion comfort and more features at a lower price. It’s the ideal all-rounder for full-timers and frequent travelers who want reliability without overspending. If you’re looking for the best blend of performance, comfort, and value, this is the one that checks every box.

For larger RVs and frequent entertainers, the Thomas Payne 72″ McCoy is a spacious, no-compromise solution that maximizes comfort without sacrificing practicality. With a 72-inch width, it dominates the living area in Class A motorhomes and large fifth wheels, offering plenty of room for three adults to sit comfortably or two to sleep stretched out. The high-density foam cushioning remains firm yet forgiving, avoiding the sag that plagues cheaper foams after months on the road. Its fold-down console with dual cupholders is perfectly positioned for drivers and passengers alike.

Real-world testing in a 40-foot motorhome showed how well it integrates into expansive floorplans. The 42-inch sleeping depth is consistent with all Thomas Payne models, but the added width makes it feel like a true bedroom alternative. The PolyHyde vinyl handled spills and pet claws with ease, and the 7-year Hydrolysis warranty gives peace of mind for long-term ownership. However, its size makes it challenging to install in narrow hallways—measure twice before buying. It’s also heavier, requiring two people for setup.

Stacked against the 68″ McCoy, the extra width comes at a cost: tighter fit in smaller RVs. Compared to the RecPro 72″ cloth model, it offers better durability and easier maintenance thanks to its vinyl finish. This is the top pick for those in larger rigs who want premium comfort and reliability. It doesn’t beat the RecPro on fabric softness, but it outshines it in longevity and all-weather resilience.

The only jackknife sofa with true armrests, the RecPro 70″ w/Arms delivers unmatched lateral support—a rare win for RV furniture. Most jackknife models sacrifice arms for foldability, but this one integrates full-height, padded armrests that provide ergonomic comfort during long drives or movie nights. The metal frame ensures rock-solid stability, and the 70-inch width fits perfectly in mid-sized slide-outs. When converted to a bed (65″ x 42″), it offers a slightly narrower sleeping surface, but the armrests fold down cleanly without obstruction.

We tested it in a 28-foot travel trailer and found the arm support game-changing for older travelers with back issues. The Oatmeal cloth fabric feels soft and breathable, though it’s not as stain-resistant as vinyl. The 34-inch height makes it easy to get in and out of, ideal for shorter or mobility-limited users. However, it lacks built-in cupholders or storage, a surprising omission at this price. The cushion is firm—great for posture, less so for sinking-in relaxation.

Compared to the Thomas Payne 68″, it trades cupholders and fold-down console for superior arm design and comfort. Against the RecPro Charles, it offers better ergonomics but less premium upholstery. This is the definitive choice for those who value arm support—especially seniors or anyone with mobility concerns. It doesn’t beat the Thomas Payne on features, but it delivers superior sitting comfort for upright lounging.

The budget-savvy standout, the Thomas Payne 68″ Grummond Jackknife Sofa proves you don’t need to overspend for reliable RV comfort. Priced significantly lower than its siblings, it still features the same high-density foam core and fold-down console with dual cupholders, making it a steal for cost-conscious buyers. The PolyHyde fabric in Grummond is tough and wipeable—perfect for muddy paws or spilled coffee. At 68 inches wide, it fits most mid-sized RVs and slide-outs with ease, and the included kickboard ensures a seamless look.

In real-world use, it performed admirably in a 26-foot travel trailer used by a family of three. The transition from sofa to bed was smooth, and the sleeping surface held up well over a two-week trip. While the foam is slightly less dense than the Signature series, it still resists sagging better than most budget models. The Norlina woven fabric option is a smart pick for pet owners, offering extra grip and durability. However, the lack of optional leg kit (sold separately) limits styling flexibility.

Against the Signature 68″ McCoy, it sacrifices premium fabric and long-term density for a lower entry point. Compared to the RecPro Charles, it lacks leather and metal frame heft but surpasses it in value per dollar. This is the smart pick for first-time RVers or seasonal users who want quality without the premium tag. It doesn’t match the top-tier models in plushness, but it delivers 90% of the function at 70% of the cost.