The Midwest is the epicenter of America’s recreational vehicle (RV) industry. Airstream is headquartered in western Ohio, and 80% of the nation’s RVs are produced in northwest Indiana, earning it the title of “RV Capital of the World.”
If you own a recreational vehicle or are simply curious about the craftsmanship employed by teams of skilled artisans, an RV manufacturing plant tour offers a behind-the-scenes look.
Airstream Jackson Center, Ohio
Inside Airstream’s spacious, 750,000-square-foot production facility, shiny aluminum trailers glisten like giant pieces of jewelry. Approximately 500 skilled workers craft eight towable travel trailer models in 45 floor plans for the domestic market and three models for the European market.
Located 56 miles northeast of Dayton, Airstream employs 1,300 people and hosts nearly 10,000 visitors annually who join free, hour-long guided tours of three manufacturing facilities producing the brand’s iconic travel trailers, touring coaches and Basecamp units. Visitor experience coordinator Dan Maul facilitates all tours, as well as manages the company’s archives and Heritage Center.
“Around 200 craftspeople, between parts manufacturing and a completed trailer build, are involved in the production of each travel trailer, which takes approximately 350 hours total,” Maul says.
Along the 40-section production line, workers buck rivet each trailer’s curved, aluminum outer exterior and interior. From a viewing platform above the factory floor, visitors watch production line craftspeople install electrical wiring, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, solar panel hookups, propane tanks and other components. Most of Airstream’s cabinetry, windows and doors are made on-site, as are window treatments and some upholstered pieces.
Lastly, quality control staff conducts a 1,600-point inspection before shipping trailers to 70 dealers across the U.S. and Canada and another 12 internationally.
