Jayco
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| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | recreation vehicles |
| Founded | 1968 |
| Founders | Lloyd and Bertha Bontrager |
| Headquarters | , USA |
| Owner | Thor Industries |
Number of employees | 3,200 |
| Website | www.jayco.com |
Lloyd Jay Bontrager 1967
Jayco RV is a subsidiary of Jayco Family of Companies and an American manufacturer of recreational vehicles. The company sets out to make it easier and safer for families to have fun together by manufacturing Conventional Travel Trailers, Toy Haulers, Fifth-Wheel Travel, Trailers and Motorhomes (Class A, B, and C). Jayco is based in Middlebury, Indiana, and about three-quarters of its 3,200-person workforce is from the Amish and Mennonite communities of Indiana. Jayco RV also provides the industry’s best warranty. Jayco RV’s limited warranty covers two full camping seasons. That is twice as long as most other manufacturers. Jayco RV confidently offers this because of the company’s commitment to build better. Jayco RV has been respected for decades with multiple RV hall of famers and 77 Quality Circle Awards for achieving the highest possible rating in the Dealer Satisfaction Index. Their innovative floorplans consistently win top industry awards.
History
[edit]The company was founded in 1968 by Lloyd and Bertha Bontrager. Bontrager developed a unique lifter system for fold-down camping trailers in 1967 and started the business of making fold-down trailers in two chicken houses and a barn. The name “Jayco” originated from Lloyd’s middle name “Jay” and the “co” Buzz Leonard suggested to represent “company”. In the first year of operations, the company sold 132 trailers, and by the end of 1968, it had 15 employees. Lloyd and Bertha consistently would set out extra chairs at the dinner table to host dealers and employees in their home for dinner. Treating employees like family was installed in Jayco from the very beginning. The company continued to grow, building another plant in Harper, Kansas in 1970.
The company was hard hit in the energy crunch of the 1970s and several of its plants were closed temporarily. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the company also suffered another slowdown due to the high price of gasoline. The company recovered to become the second largest U.S. manufacturer of towable products by 1995.
On Easter Sunday in 1985, Lloyd Bontrager and his youngest son Wendall were killed when his small airplane crashed in the vicinity of Muncie, Indiana. His wife Bertha became chairman of the board at Jayco and later, her sons Wilbur and Derald assumed leadership roles within the company.
In addition to the Jayco brand, Jayco acquired Starcraft RV in 1991, Entegra Coach in 2008 and Highland Ridge RV in 2014. In 2016, Jayco reached their 1 millionth manufactured RV milestone and the Eagle line celebrated 25 years, becoming the industry's longest-running trailer brand. Jayco was acquired by Thor Industries in July 2016 for $576 million.
In 2020, Ken Walters, formerly Vice President of Sales and Product Development, was promoted to President of Jayco Family of Companies. In the same year, Jay Flight was awarded the #1 selling travel trailer in North America for 15 consecutive years.
Jayco, Inc. rebranded to the Jayco Family of Companies in 2021 to better encapsulate the four divisions – Jayco, Entegra Coach, Highland Ridge RV and Starcraft RV.
Jayco Family of Companies achieved 100% Pre-Delivery Inspection of all RVs prior to shipping to dealers at all three locations in 2022. A process of checking hundreds of points and systems on the product to ensure the best possible quality.
In 2023, The Jayco Family Care Clinic opened at the Middlebury headquarters, demonstrating the company’s commitment to employees and their family’s well-being.
Today, Jayco RV manufactures tens of thousands of RVs a year and consists of up to 4,500 employees. The company has campuses in Middlebury, Indiana that stretches 2 miles with 36 buildings, as well as two plants in Twin Falls, Idaho that were opened in 2005. The Jayco Family of Companies continue to be a leading manufacturer in the RV industry, with over 55 years of experience and 1.3 million RVs on the road.
Jayco is the only RV manufacturer that offers such a wide breadth and depth of product, everything from lightweight travel trailers, to Class A motorhomes. You can visit their website for the latest offering of products in their lineup. Jayco RVs are designed with one thing in mind: making it easy for friends and family to gather, reconnect and share adventure. From micro trailers and toy haulers to campervans and Class As, journeys that transcend generations are just waiting to be had.
Models
[edit]Jayco is known for their Jay Flight model, which became available in 2001. Since 2005, the Jayco Jay Flight has been the #1 selling travel trailer brand.[1] In 2006, the Jay Flight brand expanded its model lineup with the addition of the seasonal model, Bungalow. As part of an exclusive deal, Jay Flights began featuring tires from Goodyear with Durawall technology as standard. Jay Flight was the first to be listed as a Gold Medal Green Certified RV.
Current Model Range
| Model | Class | Fuel | Chassis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jay Feather Micro | Travel Trailer | Towable | |
| Jay Feather Air | Travel Trailer | Towable | |
| Jay Feather | Travel Trailer | Towable | |
| Jay Flight SLX | Travel Trailer | Towable | |
| Jay Flight | Travel Trailer | Towable | |
| Jay Flight Bungalow | Travel Trailer | Towable | |
| Eagle HT | Travel Trailer | Towable | |
| Eagle HT | Fifth Wheel | Towable | |
| Eagle | Fifth Wheel | Towable | |
| North Point | Fifth Wheel | Towable | |
| Pinnacle | Fifth Wheel | Towable | |
| Seismic | Toy Hauler | Towable | |
| Comet | Class B | Gas | RAM® ProMaster 1500 |
| Swift | Class B | Gas | RAM® ProMaster 3500 |
| Solstice | Class B | Gas | Ford® Transit AWD 350HD |
| Terrain | Class B | Diesel | Mercedes-Benz® 2500 AWD |
| Redhawk SE | Class C | Gas | Ford® E-350 or Chevy® 4500 |
| Redhawk | Class C | Gas | Ford® E-450 |
| Greyhawk | Class C | Gas | Ford® E-450 |
| Melbourne | Class C | Diesel | Mercedes-Benz® 3500 |
| Melbourne Prestige | Class C | Diesel | Mercedes-Benz® 3500 |
| Granite Ridge | Class C | Gas | Ford® 350HD AWD |
| Greyhawk XL | Class C | Diesel | Ford® F550 and F600 |
| Seneca XT | Class C | Diesel | Ford® F550 and F600 |
| Seneca | Class C | Diesel | Freightliner® S2RV |
| Seneca Prestige | Class C | Diesel | Freightliner® S2RV |
| Alante | Class A | Gas | Ford® F53 |
| Precept | Class A | Gas | Ford® F53 |
| Precept Prestige | Class A | Gas | Ford® F53 |
Sustainability
[edit]Jayco Family of Companies continues to make major strides to produce quality RVs while reducing waste. The company’s goal is to be the first landfill-free RV Manufacturer in the industry and raise the expectations for competitors each year. By recycling nearly 5,000,000 pounds of waste, reducing water usage, increasing the use of sustainable packaging and decreasing energy consumption through major solar initiatives, Jayco Family of Companies continue to move even closer to their goals.
In 2022 Jayco Family of Companies made a massive solar initiative by installing more than 3,000 panels that will provide more than 10% of the energy needed to run the facilities on the Middlebury campus in Indiana.
Awards and recognitions
[edit]- 2025
- RV Pro (embargoed) – Best of Open House – Jayco Greyhawk
- RV News (embargoed) – RV of the Year: Single-Axle Travel Trailer – Jayco Jay Feather Air 18MBH
- RV News (embargoed) – RV of the Year: High-end Fifth Wheel – Jayco North Point
- RV Business – Top 10 Finalist RV of the Year – Jayco Eagle HT 230MLCS
- RV Business – Top Innovations – Jayco (water filtration system)
- DSI Awards – Jayco Motorized
- DSI Awards – Jayco Towables
- 2024
- Business - Top Debut - Jayco Greyhawk XL 32U
- RV News – RV of the Year – Luxury 5th Wheel
- RV News – Entry Level Travel Trailer of the Year – Jay Flight 235MBH
- RV Magazine – Favorite Fifth Wheel - Silver
- RV Magazine – Favorite Travel Trailer - Bronze
- RV Magazine – Favorite Toy Hauler - Silver
- RV Magazine – Favorite Tiny Trailer - Gold
- RV Magazine – Favorite Class C Motorhome – Gold
- RV Magazine – Favorite 4x4 Motorhome – Bronze
- RVDA’s DSI – Dealer Satisfaction Index Award – Jayco Towables
- RVDA’s DSI – Dealer Satisfaction Index Award – Jayco Motorized
- 2023
- RV Business Top 10 Finalist – RV of the Year
- RV Magazine – Class C Manufacturer of the Year – Gold
- RV Magazine – Small Camping Trailer Manufacturer of the Year – Silver
- RV Magazine – Travel Trailer Manufacturer of the Year – Bronze
- RVDA DSI Towable – Dealer Satisfaction Index Award – Jayco Towables
- RVDA DSI Motorized – Dealer Satisfaction Index Award – Jayco Motorized
- RV News – High-end Fifth Wheel of the Year – North Point 380RKGS
- RV News – Lightweight Travel Trailer of the Year – Jay Feather Volaré
- RV News – Class C/Super C Motorhome of the Year – Seneca XT 35L
- 2022
- RV Magazine – Favorite Small Camping Trailer – Gold
- RV Magazine – Favorite Class C – Silver
- RVB – RV Business Top Debut – Eagle Fifth Wheel 335RDOK
- RVB – Top Debut – Terrain Class B Van
- RV Pro – Best of 2022 – North Point 340CKTS
- RV News – Luxury Fifth Wheel of the Year – Pinnacle 38FLGS
- RV News – Type B of the Year – Terrain 19Y
International
[edit]Jayco partnered with a UK-based company in the late 1970s and produced a tent camper for the European market.[2] Jayco Australia Ltd was founded in 1975, and production commenced there the following year. Jayco of Australia soon became the largest player in the Australian camper/caravan industry.
Core 5 - 5 Reasons to Buy a Jayco RV
[edit]Jayco RV provides the industry’s best warranty. Jayco RV’s limited warranty covers two full camping seasons. That is twice as long as most manufacturers. Jayco RV confidently offers this because of the company’s commitment to build better.
Jayco RV’s standard is achieved by providing additional procedures and implementing protocols to remove the margin of human error. From the inspections and quality-control checks throughout the production process, to the last stop in the manufacturing plant, the company has added another step to ensure their travel trailers and motorhomes are reliable and top quality before they ever make it to a dealer's lot.
Jayco has been proven for more than 55 years to be one of the most respected companies in the industry. The company is committed to standing behind their industry-leading
warranty, providing exceptional customer service and maintaining an extensive dealer
and service network. And when the time comes to upgrade or sell, you'll find that your
investment in a Jayco RV continues to pay off.
Jayco RV is proud to have an established network of hundreds of dealers and service centers throughout North America—all are certified to work on the products and have proven track records of exemplary service. These dealers take part in the exclusive Jayco Masters annual training curriculum to ensure they are up to date on the latest models and have access to countless resources from hundreds of suppliers.
Jayco has been recognized and awarded for leading the RV manufacturing industry for
over 50 years. The company is a proud member of the RV Industry Association (RVIA), which sets
safety and construction standards for RV manufacturers. Their dedication to quality and
safety is reflected in every RV they build. For example, Jayco travel trailers and
motorhomes feature superior construction techniques and high-quality materials that
surpass industry norms. They use stronger frames, better insulation and more durable
components to ensure consistent quality and safety.
The Jayco Difference
[edit]The Towable difference:
Jayco strives to exceed customers' expectations. By doing this, the company has given RVers the technology, construction and warranty they deserve, but won't find anywhere else. All of their travel trailers, fifth wheels and toy haulers come with high-quality standards to ensure your RV will last for years to come. From the design of your unit to the solar capabilities, you can shop with confidence and the backing of the industry's best warranty. Jayco RV towables have a 2+3-year warranty, additional safety features, Magnum Truss™ Roof System, custom frames, Stronghold VBL™ Laminated Walls, custom interior design, JAYCOMMAND® Smart RV System, JaySMART™, and Overlander solar packages. Experience the difference with Jayco RV towable units.
The Motorized difference:
When purchasing a motorhome, there are many things to research. Quality of the build, desired options, technology, safety features and much more should be considered when deciding which motorhome is right for you and your family. At Jayco RV, the company focuses on building durable, comfortable and reliable motorhomes to ensure your adventures are safer, easier and longer-lasting. From the best warranty in the industry to superior construction techniques, Jayco RV offers a key set of unique features you won’t find anywhere else. This is the Jayco Difference. Keep reading to find out more about these features, and why they put Jayco RVs a step above the rest. Jayco RV motorized have The JRide® Ride and Handling Package, the Jayco 2 + 3-year warranty, one-piece seamless front caps, 120” windshield, safety belts on all seats, resale value, solar power, catalytic converter theft deterrent, towing capabilities, Stronghold VBL™ Laminated Walls, brake lighting and back-up cameras, and incredible bunk ratings. Experience the difference with Jayco motorized units.
Newsroom
[edit]In 2024, the Jayco Family of Companies announced several important developments and events. The RV Technical Institute (RVTI) qualified training provided by Jayco to count towards Level 3 Certification, focusing on Jayco, Entegra Coach, Highland Ridge RV and Starcraft RV brands. At the Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa, Jayco showcased new product features and held the inaugural Jayco Owner’s Jubilee. In January, the company completed renovations on the basketball gym floor for the Middlebury chapter of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County after nearly eight months of construction. Additionally, significant renovations were completed at Jayco's 118,000 square foot customer service facility in Middlebury. The annual Dealer Homecoming Event was held in Las Vegas from July 21-24, where nearly 500 dealers previewed the 2025 models and celebrated the company's achievements. The Middlebury Community Schools board voted to name the arena in the new Middlebury Activity Center the Jayco Arena. Lastly, Jayco presented the newly created Blue Excellence Award to its Top 10 suppliers, recognizing them for criteria such as on-time delivery.
In 2023, Jayco RV continued to strengthen its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction through various initiatives and events. The company kicked off its Masters Dealer training during the weeks of December 4th and 11th and held its sixth annual Dealer Advisory Council (DAC) for Service from November 14th to 16th at its Middlebury campus. Notably, all of Jayco’s brands, including Jayco Towables, Jayco Motorized, Highland Ridge RV, Open Range RV, Mesa Ridge RV, and Starcraft RV, received the 2023 Quality Circle Award. During the Dealer Homecoming Event in Las Vegas, Jayco RV honored Terrytown RV of Grand Rapids, Michigan, with its most prestigious award. Additionally, Jayco announced plans to pilot a GPS-based connected vehicle system powered by its parent company, THOR Industries, to provide users with personalized travel recommendations. On May 24th, Joyce Skinner, leader of the Entegra Coach and Jayco Motorized Customer Service division, was celebrated for her 32 years of service prior to her retirement on June 30th. The National RV Training Academy also finalized its first round of training videos to educate Jayco owners on operating their vehicles. Finally, on January 4, 2023, Jayco opened a nearly 10,000 square foot health care facility on its Northern Indiana campus.
In 2022, Jayco® launched several key initiatives, emphasizing innovation and customer engagement. The company held its in-person Masters Dealer training in early December and celebrated its annual Dealer Homecoming event in Nashville from August 1st to 3rd, where dealers previewed Model Year 2023 products. Jayco® opened a new Pre Delivery Inspection facility and introduced a comprehensive line of solar power system packages for RVers. The Overlander™ Packages became available for nearly all towable products, enhancing camper freedom. Additionally, Jayco® collaborated with Lippert® on the Jayco Baja™ Sur concept RV for the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The company also announced a major project to transition over 10% of its Middlebury, Indiana campus power to solar energy and broke ground on a new health clinic for employees. Key promotions in Sales, Marketing, and Product Development were made to support its growth. Finally, Jayco participated in the 2022 Tampa RV SuperShow, showcasing a range of RVs from its various brands.
To stay updated on these exciting developments and more, visit Jayco RV’s newsroom on their website and see how they're continually setting new standards in RV innovation and community engagement.
References
[edit]- ^ "RV Executive Today: Top-Selling Brands For 2017". RVBusiness.
- ^ "Jayco, Inc. company history". Fundinguniverse. International Directory of Company Histories, Vol. 13. traiSt. James Press, 1996. 2016. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
- Axelrod, Karen (2006). Watch It Made in the U.S.A.: A Visitor's Guide to the Best Factory Tours and Company Museums. Avalon Travel. ISBN 1-59880-000-0.
- Plunkett (2010). Plunkett's Automobile Industry Almanac. Plunkett Research. ISBN 978-1-59392-152-1.
External links
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