Date Published: June 02, 2026 | Last Modified: 1 hour ago | 4 minute read | Verified by Jarod Rosin at Redwater Dodge

Can You Change Your Factory Order Once It Is Placed?

To help you navigate this process smoothly, we have broken down the types of changes you can make into three categories: low-risk, medium-risk, and high-risk modifications. Understanding these phases is crucial to ensuring you do not unintentionally delay your vehicle's delivery date or lose out on valuable Canadian manufacturer incentives.

Low-Risk Modifications: The Production Phase

When your newly ordered vehicle is in the early production phase, the factory is gathering the necessary components to begin the build. During this window, making minor aesthetic or functional tweaks is generally considered low-risk.

Low-risk changes typically include:

• Exterior Paint Colour: Decided you want Patriot Blue instead of Billet Silver? Changing the exterior colour is usually a simple update if caught early.
• Interior Upholstery: Swapping from cloth to premium leather, or changing the interior colour scheme.
• Wheels and Rims: Upgrading your wheel design or size.

Because these changes do not fundamentally alter the structural build or the primary electronic framework of the vehicle, the factory can easily accommodate them without resetting your overall timeline. Your vehicle remains in the standard production queue, and your delivery expectations should remain largely unaffected.

Medium-Risk Modifications: Adding Packages

Things become slightly more complex when you move into medium-risk modifications. These changes involve adding comprehensive equipment groups or technology packages to your order.

Medium-risk changes typically include:

• Technology Packages: Adding advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings, or upgraded infotainment screens.
• Trailer Tow Packages: Adding integrated trailer brake controllers, heavy-duty engine cooling, or specialized towing mirrors.
• Cold Weather Groups: Adding heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and remote start systems (a must-have for Canadian winters!).

Why are these medium-risk? Adding packages often requires specific microchips, wiring harnesses, and specialized parts. Depending on global supply chain availability at the time of your request, adding these packages could cause slight delays. However, they usually will not force your vehicle entirely out of the production queue.

High-Risk Modifications: The Scheduling Phase

If you are considering a major structural or mechanical change to your factory order, you are entering high-risk territory. These modifications fundamentally change the "DNA" of the vehicle you have ordered.

High-risk changes typically include:

• Bed Length: Changing your Ram truck from a 5-foot-7-inch short box to a 6-foot-4-inch standard box.
• Engine Type: Swapping a V6 engine for a HEMI® V8, or opting for a diesel or hybrid powertrain.
• Drivetrain Systems: Changing from a 4x2 to a 4x4 configuration.

When you request high-risk changes, you are essentially asking the factory to build a completely different vehicle. If your truck or SUV has already entered the scheduling phase, these modifications can completely reset your order, kicking it out of the scheduling phase and throwing it all the way back to the beginning of the production phase.

The True Cost of High-Risk Changes: Timelines and Pricing

Making a high-risk change carries two significant consequences that every Canadian buyer needs to be aware of before calling their dealership.

1. Resetting Your Timeline

Standard factory orders typically take anywhere from 3 to 4 months to arrive at the dealership. If you change a major component like the engine or bed length, that 3-to-4-month clock completely resets to day one. If you are on a tight schedule or need a vehicle for work immediately, a high-risk change might not be the best strategic move.

2. Losing Your Price Lock and Incentives

Perhaps the most crucial factor to consider is the financial impact. When you place a factory order, dealerships typically secure a "price lock" for you based on the current month's promotions. Incentives, rebates, and interest rates fluctuate from month to month in the Canadian automotive market.

If your order has to be fully rescheduled and rebuilt due to a high-risk change, it is treated as a brand-new order. This means you will lose your original price protection. While you might gain access to the current month's incentives, you run the risk of losing the favourable pricing or interest rates you initially secured. Keeping your modifications in the low-to-medium risk categories ensures you maintain that nice price lock, giving you the peace of mind of knowing exactly what you are paying for your vehicle when it finally arrives on the lot.

Need Help With Your Factory Order?

If you want to ensure your factory order is done right the first time, our team of experts is here to guide you through the process, minimizing the need for stressful changes down the road. We specialize in Rig Ready Rams, Rig Ready used vehicles, and we are proudly offer Rig Ready Approves for all your financing needs.

Ready to get started? Give us a shout at 780-942-3629 and let’s build your dream vehicle together!

Additional Relevant Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How long does a Stellantis/CDJR factory order currently take in Canada?

A1. On average, a standard factory order takes between 3 to 4 months. However, timelines can vary based on the specific model, the complexity of your options, and current supply chain variables. 

Q2. Can I cancel my factory order completely if I change my mind?

A2. Dealership policies vary, but generally, cancelling a highly customized factory order may result in the forfeiture of your initial deposit. It is always best to speak directly with your sales representative regarding cancellation policies before placing the order.

Q3. Will the dealership notify me when my vehicle moves from production to scheduling?

A3. Yes! Your sales consultant will provide you with updates as your vehicle moves through the various stages of the factory build, including when it is scheduled, built, and shipped via rail or transport truck.

Q4. What happens if Stellantis changes available options while my vehicle is in production?

A4. Occasionally, certain parts may become unavailable due to supply shortages. If an option you selected is dropped by the manufacturer, the dealership will contact you immediately to discuss alternatives, pricing adjustments, or next steps without penalizing your order status.