Jayco is stopping production of fold-down trailers in 2019 until further notice, RV PRO has learned.
The RV manufacturer is shelving production of fold-down trailers in order to increase operational efficiencies, which includes consolidating certain manufacturing facilities, according to a letter to dealers by Brad Whitehead, general manager of the Jayco Towable division, a copy of which was obtained by RV PRO.
Whitehead’s letter reads in part: “I’m writing today to advise you of a recent adjustment to our current product lineup. In an effort to increase operational efficiency by way of consolidating certain manufacturing facilities, it’s become necessary for us to shelve all Jayco Fold Down product. Therefore, effective immediately, all unscheduled Fold Down orders you may have in the backlog are being parked until further notice.”
In an email from Doug Moats, Jayco’s communication and public relations manager, the company mentioned how the decision for its Jay Sport line is temporary and production will continue once demand is in place.
“Just a point of clarification, Jay Sport is not going away,” Moats told RV PRO. “Fold down campers and their popularity helped build this company.”
The letter sent to Jayco partners did not address whether Jayco’s Starcraft division, which also produces fold-down trailers, will be impacted by this decision.
According to data from the RV Industry Association, wholesale shipments of folding camping trailers are on the decline. In 2017, shipments totaled 9,200 and decreased to 6,500 in 2018. For 2019, RVIA is predicting shipments to total 4,900.
Quarterly shipment forecasts by type of RV (RVIA).
Moats explained how Jayco decided to consolidate factories this winter and move light-weight lines into those factories to help meet that segment’s increased demand.
Whitehead’s letter encourages dealers to reach out to him or their regional sales manager if they have any questions.