The first time I saw a Jayco travel trailer, I was struck by the little blue bird logo on the side. I didn’t know much about RV manufacturers at the time, but I did know Jayco seemed to be everywhere—from small pop-ups to massive fifth wheels. That got me wondering: who owns Jayco RV? Ownership matters because it tells us who’s behind the warranty, the quality standards, and the long-term support.
The short answer? Jayco RV is owned by Thor Industries, the largest RV manufacturer in the world. But as with most big brands, there’s a deeper story worth telling.
Who Owns Jayco RV Today?
Jayco RV, once an independent, family-run company, is now a subsidiary of Thor Industries. Thor purchased Jayco in 2016 in a deal worth about $576 million. That acquisition included Jayco’s other popular brands, such as Entegra Coach, Starcraft RV, and Highland Ridge RV.
Thor Industries, a publicly traded company (NYSE: THO), also owns other household RV names like Airstream, Keystone, and Dutchmen. This means Jayco has a powerful corporate backing, while still operating under its own brand identity.
Image Source: Jayco
Jayco RV Ownership Timeline
Here’s a quick look at the major milestones in Jayco’s ownership story:
| Year | Event | Details |
| 1968 | Jayco founded | Lloyd & Bertha Bontrager establish Jayco in Middlebury, Indiana. |
| 1970s–2000s | Growth years | Jayco expands into travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes. |
| 2016 | Acquired by Thor Industries | Thor buys Jayco (including Entegra, Starcraft, Highland Ridge) for $576 million. |
| 2025 | Present day | Jayco continues building RVs in Middlebury under Thor’s umbrella. |
This table is especially helpful for searchers who want a quick, factual answer without scrolling through the entire article.
Who Founded Jayco RV?
Jayco was founded in 1968 by Lloyd and Bertha Bontrager in Middlebury, Indiana. The company started small, focusing on innovative fold-down campers. Their designs quickly gained popularity for being lightweight, affordable, and family-friendly.
Over the years, Jayco expanded into travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and motorhomes. Even after being acquired by Thor, Jayco continues to emphasize its family-friendly brand identity, often promoting the idea that every RV trip should feel like an adventure shared around a campfire.
Which Brands Fall Under Jayco?
When you hear “Jayco,” you may only think of the travel trailers, but the company umbrella actually covers several respected brands:
- Jayco – The core lineup of trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes.
- Entegra Coach – Luxury motorhomes, often competing with high-end Class A models.
- Starcraft RV – Known for affordable and durable towables.
- Highland Ridge RV – Focuses on lightweight designs and innovative layouts.
Together, these brands allow Jayco to reach every corner of the RV market, from budget-friendly campers to luxury coaches.
Image Source: National Indoor RV Centers
Where Are Jayco RVs Built?
Jayco RVs are still proudly built in Middlebury, Indiana, where the company was founded. This location has become a hub for RV manufacturing, similar to Elkhart, Indiana, where other big names like Forest River are headquartered.
Middlebury remains central to Jayco’s identity. Even under Thor’s ownership, the facilities, employees, and production culture remain deeply tied to the Bontrager family legacy.
Is Jayco RV a Good Brand?
Jayco has long been recognized for innovation, durability, and family-oriented features. Many RV owners consider Jayco a reliable choice, especially in the mid-range towable and motorhome categories. Thor’s acquisition has only strengthened the brand’s resources, ensuring broader dealer networks and stronger customer service infrastructure.
However, as with any large-scale manufacturer, build quality can vary across product lines. It’s always wise to do a careful pre-delivery inspection (PDI) and research the specific model you’re considering. Jayco’s long-standing warranty program—often two years, compared to competitors’ one-year coverage—is a strong selling point.
FAQs About Jayco RV
1. Is Jayco still family-owned?
No. Jayco was a family-owned business until 2016, when it was acquired by Thor Industries. However, Jayco still emphasizes the family values established by its founders, the Bontragers.
2. Is Jayco part of Forest River?
No. Jayco belongs to Thor Industries. Forest River, another major RV manufacturer, is owned by Berkshire Hathaway. While both compete head-to-head, they are entirely separate companies.
3. Does Thor Industries own Entegra Coach?
Yes. Thor owns Entegra Coach through its acquisition of Jayco. Entegra is positioned as Jayco’s luxury brand, offering high-end motorhomes.
4. Where can I find out who owns Jayco RV?
The official Thor Industries press release (2016) and Jayco’s news updates confirm the acquisition. Industry outlets like RV Business also reported on the deal extensively.
Wrapping Up the Story
So, who owns Jayco RV? The answer is simple: Thor Industries has owned Jayco since 2016, bringing it under the same umbrella as Airstream, Keystone, and Dutchmen. This ownership ensures Jayco has the financial strength and support of the largest RV company in the world, while still keeping its headquarters and roots in Middlebury, Indiana.
For RV shoppers, understanding ownership helps put things into perspective. Just like knowing who owns Forest River RV gives insight into Berkshire Hathaway’s backing, asking who owns Jayco RV reveals Thor’s massive role in shaping today’s RV landscape. And if you’ve ever wondered who owns Keystone RV—it’s Thor as well, showing just how many top RV brands fall under this industry giant. Whether you’re looking at a Jayco travel trailer or an Entegra motorhome, you’re buying into a brand with deep roots and powerful corporate support.
