Date Published: February 18, 2026 | Last Modified: 1 hour ago | 4 minute read | Verified by Adrian Correia at Redwater Dodge
Buying a vehicle is the second largest investment most people make. While browsing a dealer lot is the traditional way to shop, more savvy buyers are turning to factory ordering. But is it the right move for you? At Redwater Dodge, we believe in transparency.
Drawing from years of experience helping customers build their dream rigs, here is the no-fluff advantages and disadvantages of custom ordering with Adrian at Redwater Dodge.

When you walk onto our lot in Redwater Alberta, you’ll see a beautiful sea of Night Editions and popular trim levels. Why? Because as a dealer, we order what the market demands. We focus on the options that appeal to the widest range of drivers—things like heated seats, popular towing packages, and specific price points.
However, this means we often skip niche upgrades, like the $3,000 Surround View Camera system or specific heavy-duty interior gadgets. If you find yourself saying, "I love this truck, but it's missing that one thing," factory ordering is your solution.
Ultimate Customization: Factory ordering allows you to be the architect of your vehicle. Whether it’s a Ram 3500 Dually with specific box plugins or a Jeep Wrangler in a limited-edition colour, you choose exactly what stays and what goes.
Pay for What You Need: When you buy off the lot, you might pay for features you’ll never use. Custom ordering ensures every dollar spent adds value to your specific lifestyle.
The "Price Protection" Guarantee: One of the most significant benefits of ordering a Ram or CDJR vehicle today is price protection. If you order today and the price increases before your truck arrives, you are protected at the original price. If incentives improve in 6 months, you get the better deal. You are essentially "hedging" against inflation and market volatility.
A Personal Touch: There is a unique pride in seeing your name printed directly on the window sticker from the factory. It’s not just a truck; it’s your truck, built specifically for you.
The Wait Time: This is not a "buy it today, drive it tomorrow" process. Depending on factory schedules, shipping, and parts availability, lead times can range from 3 to 6 months. If you are on a tight timeline, factory ordering may not be the best fit.
Trade-In Market Fluctuations: We can’t see into the future. While we provide trade-in appraisals at the time of order, the final value is subject to the market when the new vehicle arrives. If the market for your current vehicle drops over those six months, the trade-in value may adjust accordingly.
Potential Logistical Delays: Shipping, transport issues, or minor factory delays can occasionally prolong the wait.
If you have the luxury of time, factory ordering is almost always the superior choice. You get the exact specs you want, the best available pricing via protection plans, and the ability to make adjustments before the build begins.
Q1: Can I change my mind after I place the order?
A1: You can make adjustments to your build, such as changing colours or adding options, as long as the vehicle hasn't been "scheduled for build" yet. Once it hits the assembly line, the specs are locked in.
Q2: Does it cost more to factory order?
A2: No. In many cases, it costs less because you aren't paying for "lot-ready" add-ons you don't want. You still qualify for most retail incentives available at the time of delivery.
Q3: Do I still get a warranty on a custom order?
A3: Absolutely. For 2026, many Ram models come with an industry-leading 10-year/160,000 km limited powertrain warranty for the original owner, giving you peace of mind for a decade.