Class Action Lawsuit

Jayco and other 5th Wheel Units made by Thor Industries

Introduction


A potential class action lawsuit is being organized against Jayco, Inc., and other manufacturers within the Thor Family of RV companies. This legal action arises from widespread reports of critical structural defects in their fifth-wheel units.

One of the most commonly reported issues involves cracks near the bedroom slide-out and related frame failures, leaving RV owners facing ongoing repair costs, reduced vehicle value, and safety concerns. This page offers an overview of the case, including key facts, legal concerns, and how affected owners can explore their options for joining the potential class action.

Key Facts About the this Class Action


     • Jayco and other fifth-wheel units from the Thor Family of RV manufacturers have been experiencing cracks at the bottom corner of the space where the bedroom slide-out is installed. These cracks travel downward and forward, serving as an indication of more serious issues occurring behind the wall. The underlying problems may include frame cracks, frame distortion, or even complete frame failure, which could lead to catastrophic collapse. These defects also increase the risk of water infiltration and other serious safety hazards while on the road.

     • Jayco’s Response: Despite repeated reports of these issues, Jayco has assured owners that the defects were resolved or purely cosmetic. However, many customers continue to face these problems, with no permanent resolution from Jayco.

     • Ongoing Failures: Owners have reported that repair attempts have been insufficient, with cracks reappearing shortly after repair attempts. This has left many owners with substantial repair costs and vehicles that are unsafe to drive.

Legal Grounds for the Lawsuit


  • Breach of Warranty: Jayco and the Thor Family of RV manufacturers provided warranties that promised to fix structural issues, yet they have reportedly failed to honor these warranties by arguably providing inadequate repairs or dismissing legitimate concerns.           


  • Deceptive Practices: Jayco has been accused of misleading customers by assuring them that these known defects had been resolved prior to purchase, when in fact they had not. This is a violation of consumer protection laws.


  • Negligence: Jayco’s failure to adequately address these structural issues has resulted in ongoing safety risks and financial burdens for owners. The lawsuit seeks compensation for damages caused by Jayco’s negligence.

Which RV Models Are Potentially Affected?

If you own, or have owned, a fifth-wheel RV from Jayco or other RV manufacturers owned by Thor Industries since 2011, and have experienced structural issues such as frame cracks, separation of walls and ceilings, or other significant structural defects compromising the integrity of the unit, you may be eligible to join the class action lawsuit.

Timeline of the Case


     •     2011: Early reports allegedly begin to surface from Keystone RV owners, detailing cracks near the bedroom slide-out. These cracks were said to indicate potential frame damage behind the walls, leading to concerns about water infiltration, frame instability, and costly repairs. Despite awareness of these reports, Keystone and other Thor Family brands, including Jayco, reportedly fail to implement a lasting solution, leaving many RV owners at risk of further issues.

     •     2013: Jayco RV owners allegedly begin reporting similar cracking issues, with cracks appearing at the bottom corner of the bedroom slide-out space, traveling downward and forward. While the cracks themselves may not directly compromise the structural integrity, they arguably indicate underlying frame problems, including potential cracks and distortion. RV owners reported leaks, structural weaknesses, and increasing repair costs. Jayco allegedly responds with temporary fixes, which many owners claim do little to address the root cause.

     •     2014-2016: More reports surface from Jayco and Keystone owners about cracks reappearing after repairs, often worse than before. Allegedly, consumer forums and groups become flooded with complaints about frame flexing, wall and ceiling separation, and misaligned slide-outs, all suggesting systemic design flaws. Despite repeated assurances from Jayco and Keystone that repairs would hold, owners allegedly continue to face safety concerns and expensive repairs.

     •     2017-2019: By this point, the issue is reportedly too large to ignore. RV owners report cracks so severe that walls and roofs allegedly begin separating during travel, making the units potentially unsafe to tow. Despite ongoing repair efforts, Jayco and other Thor brands allegedly fail to take full accountability, continuing to assure owners that the cracks are cosmetic or isolated. The growing frustration among RV owners leads many to believe they are being sold defective products, and the resale value of these RVs reportedly plummets.

     •     2020-2021: Structural issues allegedly continue to plague Jayco RV owners, with cracks reappearing after towing their units long distances. Despite warranty repair attempts, many owners are left paying for repairs out of pocket. By this time, Jayco’s reputation among consumers is reportedly at stake, with many owners feeling trapped by RVs that are allegedly unsafe and unsellable. Jayco is accused of offering temporary fixes rather than addressing the deeper structural issues.

     •     January 2022: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issues Bulletin 22-043, which allegedly addresses structural concerns in Jayco’s and Keystone’s fifth-wheel units. The bulletin highlights safety risks associated with frame cracks and urges manufacturers to take corrective actions. However, Jayco and Keystone are said to have offered only temporary repairs, failing to implement comprehensive solutions. As a result, the safety of families towing these units remains allegedly compromised.

     •     2022-2023: Even after the NHTSA bulletin, Jayco and the Thor Family allegedly continue to face complaints about reoccurring cracks and safety hazards. Reports emerge of RVs breaking down mid-journey, malfunctioning slide-outs, and severe flexing, allegedly indicating ongoing structural issues. Despite these risks, Jayco is accused of not taking meaningful steps to implement permanent fixes, leaving owners with defective units and growing concerns about safety.

     •     2024: With years of mounting evidence and consumer complaints, a class action lawsuit is reportedly being prepared against Jayco and the Thor Family of RV manufacturers. The lawsuit represents a collective of RV owners who have allegedly suffered financially and emotionally from owning RVs with ongoing safety concerns. The class action aims to hold Jayco and Thor accountable for their alleged negligence and to seek compensation for repair costs, diminished vehicle value, emotional distress, and potential vehicle replacement or buybacks.

Key Takeaways from the Case

     

     •     Persistent Defects: Years of alleged “patch repairs” and temporary fixes reportedly have done little to prevent the cracks from reappearing and worsening over time. Jayco and Keystone’s alleged refusal to fully address the root cause of the frame instability has arguably cost consumers thousands of dollars in repairs and may have placed them in potentially unsafe situations.

     •     Regulatory Concerns: Despite the NHTSA issuing a bulletin that warned of potential safety risks, Jayco and other Thor Family RV manufacturers allegedly have not issued a comprehensive recall, which may have left countless families towing RVs that could be structurally compromised.

     •     Financial Impact: RV owners have allegedly faced significant repair costs and severely reduced resale values due to these persistent structural defects. In some cases, vehicles have become arguably unsellable, leaving owners with financial burdens and ongoing repair needs.

     •     Emotional Toll: Beyond financial losses, many RV owners have allegedly experienced emotional distress, fearing for their safety while towing and feeling frustrated by what they perceive as Jayco and Keystone’s refusal to take full responsibility for these defects.

Jayco

   • Eagle

   • North Point

   • Pinnacle

   • Seismic

Keystone RV

   • Montana

   • Montana High

      Country

   • Cougar

   • Alpine

   • Avalanche

   • Raptor (toy hauler

      fifth wheel)

   • Fuzion (toy hauler

      fifth wheel)

KK-Z RV

   • Durango

   • Durango Gold

   • Sportsmen

   • Venom (toy hauler

      fifth wheel)

Tiffin (Vanleigh

   RV division)

   • Beacon

   • Vilano

CrossRoads RV

   • Redwood (luxury

      fifth wheel)

Heartland RV

   • Bighorn

   • Bighorn Traveler

   • Big Country

   • Elkridge

   • Landmark

   • Milestone

   • Sundance

   • Road Warrior

   • Torque

Class Action Lawsuit for owners of Jayco and other 5th Wheel units from manufactures owned by Thor Industries, the "Thor Family" of Companies.