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  • '60s
  • '70s
  • '80s
  • '90s
  • '00s
  • '10s

The ‘60s

Peace and love were in the air—and so was entrepreneurial spirit. In 1968 Lloyd and Bertha Bontrager set out to make a family dream a reality in their quiet corner of Northern Indiana. Let the fun begin!

The '60s
1968

Lloyd developed his own prototype camping trailer with a unique lifter system for fold-down campers.

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1968

1968

Lloyd developed his own prototype camping trailer with a unique lifter system for fold-down campers.

1968

“Lloyd, I think you should go on your own”: Bertha’s fateful words that helped Jayco, Inc. become a reality, on their farm in Middlebury, Indiana. Where’s the name Jayco come from you ask? It’s inspired by Lloyd’s middle name, Jay, and his fondness for the idea of being “free as a bird and flying away without any cares.”

1969

In January of 1969, Al Yoder joined the company as a partner. During this first year, we grew to 15 employees and sold 132 camping trailers.

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1969

1969

In January of 1969, Al Yoder joined the company as a partner. During this first year, we grew to 15 employees and sold 132 camping trailers.

  • 1968

    Lloyd developed his own prototype camping trailer with a unique lifter system for fold-down campers.

    See more

    1968

    1968

    Lloyd developed his own prototype camping trailer with a unique lifter system for fold-down campers.

    1968

    “Lloyd, I think you should go on your own”: Bertha’s fateful words that helped Jayco, Inc. become a reality in January, on their farm in Middlebury, Indiana. Where’s the name Jayco come from you ask? It’s inspired by Lloyd’s middle name, Jay, and his fondness for the idea of being “free as a bird and flying away without any cares.”

  • 1969

    In January of 1969, Al Yoder joined the company as a partner. During this first year, we grew to 15 employees and sold 132 camping trailers.

    See more

    1969

    1969

    In January of 1969, Al Yoder joined the company as a partner. During this first year, we grew to 15 employees and sold 132 camping trailers.

The '70s

The ‘70s

While families gathered around the newfangled video boxes (TVs of course!), we began to make a name for ourselves too, acquiring competitors, delivering new products and selling internationally for the first time. Look out, TVs! We’ve got an idea for family time too.

  • 1970

    Jayco offered the first camping trailer with a rubber torsion axle independent suspension, which provided a much better ride and easier towing.

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    1970

    1970

    Jayco offered the first camping trailer with a rubber torsion axle independent suspension, which provided a much better ride and easier towing.

    1970

    Jayco started using bent frames for travel trailers. The frame was bent in two different areas, and was used specifically for the JayWren. The innovative frame made the 7-foot tall unit easy to store, helped with road clearance and provided a flat floor for full head-height throughout.

    1970

    Lloyd launched the first Jayco Dealer Seminar to introduce new units and to give dealers and employees the opportunity to get to know one another. Lloyd wanted the relationship between us and our dealers to be a close and personal partnership.

    1970

    We opened plants in Kansas and Canada in an effort to better serve our growing roster of western dealers.

  • 1971

    We entered the travel trailer market, building 1,100 in the first year.

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    1971

    1971

    We entered the travel trailer market, building 1,100 in the first year.

  • 1972

    Jayco entered the fifth wheel market. Three Cs, maker of Wonderland fifth wheels in Three Rivers, Michigan, was acquired.

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    1972

    1972

    Jayco entered the fifth wheel market. Three Cs, maker of Wonderland fifth wheels in Three Rivers, Michigan, was acquired.

  • 1974

    The energy crisis of the 1970s had a lasting impact on the RV industry. The shortages forced Jayco to...

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    1974

    1974

    The energy crisis of the 1970s had a lasting impact on the RV industry. The shortages forced Jayco to discontinue building motorhomes for several years and close plants in Kansas and Canada.

  • 1975

    Al Yoder became Executive Vice President of Jayco. The same year, the company was ranked among the country’s top ten RV manufacturers for the first time.

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    1975

    1975

    Al Yoder became Executive Vice President of Jayco. The same year, the company was ranked among the country’s top ten RV manufacturers for the first time. Later this year, Jayco Australia was formed, making Jayco an international company. Gerry Ryan, one of the founding partners, remains the managing director of Jayco Caravan Manufacturing to this day.

  • 1976

    First on the market with the stand-up area in the front bedroom of fifth wheels. This allowed for easier movement and greater comfort.

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    1976

    1976

    First on the market with the stand-up area in the front bedroom of fifth wheels. This allowed for easier movement and greater comfort.

    1976

    Lloyd and Bertha’s son, Wilbur, began to influence product design. Just a year later, he helped develop industry breakthroughs like domed roofs and overhead cabinets for Jayco camping trailers.

  • 1977

    Jayco entered the Class C motorhome market with the JayMini motorhome series.

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    1977

    1977

    Jayco entered the Class C motorhome market with the JayMini motorhome series.

  • 1979

    We built the first Mackinac Island trams. These horse-drawn trams are still used for large group tours around the popular tourist destination.

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    1979

    1979

    We built the first Mackinac Island trams. These horse-drawn trams are still used for large group tours around the popular tourist destination.

The ‘80s

As parents powered up personal computers and kids their video game consoles, Jayco established itself among the powers of the RV industry. The tragic loss of our fearless leader, Lloyd, in a plane crash couldn’t stop the momentum—and we doubled down on his vision for family fun.

The '80s
  • 1980

    Jayco introduced a wagon gear travel trailer, which was called the Jay-Trek. This trailer served the purpose of taking hitch weight...

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    1980

    1980

    Jayco introduced a wagon gear travel trailer, which was called the Jay-Trek. This trailer served the purpose of taking hitch weight off the tow vehicle.

  • 1982

    Jayco introduced the Jay Tiki tent camper, a different type of fold-down product in which the living area flipped out of the trailer and onto the ground. It was introduced to the industry with a great deal of interest.

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    1982

    1982

    Jayco introduced the Jay Tiki tent camper, a different type of fold-down product in which the living area flipped out of the trailer and onto the ground. It was introduced to the industry with a great deal of interest.

    1982

    We helped prototype the first Trail Manor units in a cooperative effort. The owner of Trail Manor sought Jayco’s assistance in bringing the prototypes to the market.

  • 1985

    We built and shipped our 100,000th unit.

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    1985

    1985

    We built and shipped our 100,000th unit.

    1985

    In the midst of one of our strongest growth periods, tragedy struck when Lloyd, along with son Wendell, Nelson Hershberger and his son Marcus were killed in an airplane crash during a storm on Easter Sunday.

    1985

    Al Yoder was appointed President and Lloyd’s oldest son, Wilbur, became Executive Vice President. Bertha became Chairman of the Board and Glen Riegsecker was named Senior Vice President.

    The crash was a huge blow to the family company, but because of Lloyd’s sound planning and the company’s dedicated personnel, Jayco moved ahead with a renewed commitment to the founder’s values.

  • 1987

    Al Yoder was presented with the RVIA’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award.

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    1987

    1987

    Al Yoder was presented with the RVIA’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award.

The '90s

The ‘90s

Cell phones, pagers and the internet (Jayco.com included) all took root, changing how we communicate forever. A lot may have changed since the beginning, but the simple idea of fun with friends and family would propel us into the future.

  • 1991

    Starcraft RV was acquired. Jayco took on the RV division under its overall corporate umbrella. Starcraft RV is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected builders of campers.

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    1991

    1991

    Jayco Corp., Inc. was formed to provide the corporate umbrella for Jayco, Inc., L&W Engineering and Starcraft RV.

    1991

    Starcraft RV was acquired. Jayco took on the RV division under its overall corporate umbrella. Starcraft RV is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected builders of campers.

  • 1993

    Jayco introduced the Esprit tent camper. A trendsetter for the era, the Esprit was a 10-foot fold-down, which featured bright and...

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    1993

    1993

    Jayco introduced the Esprit tent camper. A trendsetter for the era, the Esprit was a 10-foot fold-down, which featured bright and bold tent fabrics.

    1993

    After many years at Jayco, Al Yoder retired from his position as President and went on to serve on the Board of Directors. Bernard Lambright became President. Wilbur became Chairman of the Board and Bertha became Chairperson Emeritus.

    1993

    We built and shipped our 200,000th unit.

  • 1994

    Lloyd was inducted into the RV Hall of Fame.

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    1994

    1994

    Lloyd was inducted into the RV Hall of Fame.

  • 1996

    Al Yoder was inducted into the RV Hall of Fame.

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    1996

    1996

    Al Yoder was inducted into the RV Hall of Fame.

  • 1997

    We built and shipped our 300,000th unit.

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    1997

    1997

    We built and shipped our 300,000th unit.

    1997

    We opened a state-of-the-art customer service center in Middlebury, Indiana. that included a parts warehouse, service bays and customer service.

    1997

    We took to the World Wide Web with www.Jayco.com

  • 1999

    Our new corporate headquarters facility in Middlebury, Indiana. was completed.

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    1999

    1999

    Our new corporate headquarters facility in Middlebury, Indiana. was completed.

    1999

    Wilbur assumed his role as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for RVIA.

The ‘00s

It was a time of exciting change. The same can be said for Jayco and the RV industry. We found smart ways to weather some tough times and emerged on the other side, primed to launch into what would be a Golden Age for Jayco. Fun and family always prevail!

The '00s
  • 2001

    Jayco introduced the Kiwi, a lightweight travel trailer. This trailer was later named Jay Feather.

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    2001

    2001

    Jayco introduced the Kiwi, a lightweight travel trailer. This trailer was later named Jay Feather.

  • 2002

    Jayco introduced the Jay Flight trailer brand. As of today, Jay Flight has been the #1 best-selling travel trailer in North America for twelve years straight.

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    2002

    2002

    Jayco introduced the Jay Flight trailer brand. As of today, Jay Flight has been the #1 best-selling travel trailer in North America for thirteen years straight.

    2002

    Bernard Lambright retired as President. Derald Bontrager, Lloyd and Bertha’s son, was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of Jayco.

    2002

    We built and shipped our 400,000th unit.

  • 2003

    We became the first company to offer surround sound system components in all products, including entry-level RVs.

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    2003

    2003

    We became the first company to offer surround sound system components in all products, including entry-level RVs.

  • 2005

    We opened a new manufacturing plant in Twin Falls, Idaho. This allowed the company to accommodate the growing need in the...

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    2005

    2005

    We opened a new manufacturing plant in Twin Falls, Idaho. This allowed the company to accommodate the growing need in the western markets of the US and Canada.

  • 2006

    We built and shipped our 500,000th unit.

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    2006

    2006

    We built and shipped our 500,000th unit.

    2006

    Jayco introduced iPod® adapters on various products including toy haulers and camping trailers.

    2006

    Jayco introduced the first lightweight toy hauler travel trailer built with a wider exterior stance, known first as the Talon.

  • 2008

    We acquired the assets of the former Travel Supreme and launched the Class A diesel-pusher Entegra Coach division.

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    2008

    2008

    We acquired the assets of the former Travel Supreme and launched the Class A diesel-pusher Entegra Coach division.

    2008

    The Jayco family celebrated 40 years of success.

    2008

    Wilbur Bontrager was inducted into the RV Hall of Fame.

    2008

    As part of the 40th anniversary celebration, we were the first company to introduce flat screen LCD TVs and electric awnings in all travel trailer and fifth wheel products.

The '10s

The ‘10s

Connectivity, tech and affordability have made RV travel more appealing to more people than ever. Here’s to many more Generations of Family Fun!

  • 2011

    Jayco became the world’s largest privately-held RV manufacturer.

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    2011

    2011

    Jayco became the world’s largest privately-held RV manufacturer.

  • 2012

    We introduced our new tag line – Generations of Family Fun. Adopting this as a brand promise reinforced Jayco’s commitment of providing family fun to employees, dealers, suppliers and customers for generations.

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    2012

    2012

    We introduced our new tag line – Generations of Family Fun. Adopting this as a brand promise reinforced Jayco’s commitment of providing family fun to employees, dealers, suppliers and customers for generations.

  • 2014

    We entered the gasoline Class A market with the introduction of the Precept.

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    2014

    2014

    We entered the gasoline Class A market with the introduction of the Precept.

    2014

    We acquired the assets of the former Open Range and renamed the division Highland Ridge RV.

    2014

    Derald assumed his role as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for RVIA.

  • 2015

    We opened a new manufacturing plant for Entegra Coach, freeing up manufacturing space for Class C and gasoline Class A motorhomes to meet growing demand.

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    2015

    2015

    We opened a new manufacturing plant for Entegra Coach, freeing up manufacturing space for Class C and gasoline Class A motorhomes to meet growing demand.

    2015

    We commemorated Jay Flight being the #1 selling travel trailer in North America for 10 years.

    2015

    Bertha accepted the RV Dealers Association’s (RVDA) prestigious Titan Award on behalf of Lloyd and herself. The Titan Award recognizes pioneering efforts of individuals whose energy and vision helped create giant manufacturing firms in the RV industry.

  • 2016

    We celebrated building our 1,000,000th unit in total between the four divisions of Jayco, Starcraft RV, Entegra Coach and Highland Ridge RV in May.

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    2016

    2016

    We celebrated building our 1,000,000th unit in total between the four divisions of Jayco, Starcraft RV, Entegra Coach and Highland Ridge RV in May.

    2016

    Matt Thompson assumed the role of COO.

    2016

    Jayco Corporation, including all of the brands of Jayco, Starcraft RV, Entegra Coach and Highland Ridge RV, was acquired by Thor Industries on July 1st.

    2016

    Eagle celebrated 25 years, the industry’s longest running trailer brand.

  • 2017

    Derald Bontrager was presented with the RVIA's highest honor, the Distinguished Service to the RV Industry Award.

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    2017

    2017

    Derald Bontrager was presented with the RVIA's highest honor, the Distinguished Service to the RV Industry Award.

    2017

    Our workforce grew to the largest in the company's history with nearly 4,000 employees.

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