Quick Answer
Jayco builds cabinets in-house, but many independent shops in Elkhart-Middlebury specialize in RV woodwork. Search locally for RV cabinet shops, ask dealership service departments for referrals, or contact Jayco parts department for supplier info.
Short Answer
Jayco manufactures most of their motorhome (MH) cabinets in-house at their Middlebury, Indiana facility using their own woodworking department, though they do outsource some specialized components to local suppliers. For your freestanding dinette replacement, I recommend contacting Dutchmen Manufacturing (now Thor) at (574) 825-5821 or Lippert Components at (574) 537-8900, both located in the Elkhart area and experienced with RV furniture manufacturing. Since you already have the detailed dimensions from Jayco, these companies can likely fabricate a custom dinette that matches your original specifications.
Understanding the Problem
Jayco operates a comprehensive manufacturing facility in Middlebury, Indiana where they handle most of their cabinet construction in-house. Their woodworking department uses CNC machinery and assembly lines specifically designed for RV cabinetry, which allows them to maintain quality control and keep costs reasonable. However, they do work with several local suppliers in the Elkhart/Middlebury area for specialized components, hardware, and sometimes overflow production.
The challenge you're facing is that Jayco typically doesn't sell individual furniture pieces directly to consumers - they focus on supplying their dealers and handling warranty repairs. This is why you need to look to the broader RV industry suppliers in the area who have the expertise and equipment to build RV-specific furniture. The Elkhart area is the heart of the RV industry, so you have excellent options for custom work.
Your advantage is having the detailed dimensions from Jayco, which will save significant time and cost in the design phase. Most custom cabinet shops will charge $200-400 just for measuring and design work, so you're already ahead of the game.
What You'll Need
To get the best results from a custom cabinet maker, you'll need to provide comprehensive specifications beyond just dimensions. Make sure you have the wood species and finish type that Jayco specified - this is usually a laminated plywood or particle board with a vinyl or wood-grain finish. You'll also need details about the hardware: hinges, drawer slides, latches, and any specialized RV hardware that prevents items from opening while traveling.
Gather information about the table mechanism if your dinette converts to a bed. These conversion hardware kits are typically sourced from companies like Hafele or Lippert Components. The cabinet maker will need to know the exact mechanism model to ensure proper mounting points and clearances.
You should also have electrical specifications if your dinette includes any lighting or charging ports. Many modern RV dinettes incorporate LED strip lighting or USB charging stations, which require specific wiring routing and mounting considerations.
How to Fix It
Start by contacting Lippert Components in Elkhart at (574) 537-8900. They're one of the largest RV component manufacturers and have a custom fabrication division that works with individual RV owners. They understand RV-specific requirements like weight limitations, road vibration resistance, and the need for secure latching mechanisms.
Your second option is Dutchmen Manufacturing (now part of Thor Industries) at (574) 825-5821. While they primarily manufacture complete RVs, they often take on custom cabinet projects and have extensive experience with Jayco-style construction methods. They may be able to match your existing finish exactly since they likely use similar suppliers.
For a more local approach, contact Yoder Cabinetry in Shipshewana at (260) 768-4158. While they're not specifically RV-focused, they're familiar with the local RV industry and have built custom pieces for RV owners before. They'll need more guidance on RV-specific hardware but can often provide better pricing for one-off projects.
When you call, emphasize that you have complete dimensional drawings from the original manufacturer. Ask for a quote that includes materials, labor, and finishing to match your existing cabinetry. Expect to pay $800-1500 for a complete dinette set, depending on complexity and finish quality.
Leave It to the Experts
If the quotes from custom cabinet makers seem too high, consider contacting Jayco's parts department directly at (574) 825-5861. Sometimes they can special order replacement furniture pieces, especially if your MH is relatively recent. They may charge a premium, but you'll get an exact match and warranty coverage.
Another professional option is RV furniture specialists like Villa International at (574) 293-8627 in Elkhart. They focus specifically on RV furniture replacement and restoration, so they understand the unique challenges of RV cabinetry including weight restrictions, secure mounting, and finishes that can withstand temperature fluctuations and humidity changes.
For the most cost-effective professional solution, check with local RV dealerships about their service departments. Many larger dealers have relationships with cabinet makers who specialize in RV work and can often get better pricing due to volume relationships. Lichty RV in Forest City (about 30 minutes from Elkhart) has an excellent service department and may be able to coordinate custom work at reasonable rates.
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