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How to Contact RV Dealers for Custom Build Inquiries | Expert Guide to Custom Orders

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Ready for a custom RV? Learn how to contact dealers for personalized builds, from floor plans to features. Get expert advice, pricing, and peace of mind with our lifetime warranty.

How to Contact RV Dealers for Custom Build Inquiries: The Ultimate Guide

To contact RV dealers for custom builds, you should submit an online inquiry form, call a specialized sales representative, or visit a local showroom in person to discuss specific floor plans and manufacturer options. For the best experience in the Southeast, A&L RV Sales provides expert guidance on custom orders for top brands like Grand Design and Brinkley, backed by our exclusive Warranty Forever program.


The Benefits of Custom Ordering Your RV

For many families in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, a standard RV off the lot doesn't quite check every box. Whether you need a specific bunk configuration for the kids or a gourmet kitchen for extended stays, a custom build ensures your investment perfectly matches your lifestyle.

At A&L RV Sales, we have spent over 25 years as a family-owned business helping campers realize these dreams. When you custom order, you aren't just buying a vehicle; you are designing a mobile sanctuary. We understand that this process can feel overwhelming, which is why our team focuses on a relaxed, no-pressure atmosphere.

Custom builds allow you to select high-end features from industry leaders such as:

  • Grand Design: Known for their rigorous 250-point inspections and luxury finishes.

  • Brinkley RV: The newcomer taking the industry by storm with residential-quality craftsmanship.

  • Forest River: Offering a massive variety of floor plans and reliable construction.

  • Alliance RV: Centered on customer-driven features and "crowdsourced" design improvements.

  • Jayco: Famous for their industry-leading structural warranties.


How to Contact RV Dealers for Custom Builds

When you are ready to start the journey, knowing the right way to initiate contact can save you weeks of back-and-forth. Here is the best approach to ensure your inquiry is handled by a specialist rather than a general salesperson.

Start with an Online Inquiry

Most reputable dealers, including all A&L RV Sales locations, have dedicated digital portals for custom inquiries. When filling out a contact form, be sure to specify that you are interested in a "Factory Order" or "Custom Build."

This allows the dealership to route your request to a specialist who understands manufacturer lead times and option compatibility. We recommend mentioning your preferred brand—like Brinkley or Grand Design—right in the comments section so we can prepare the latest order sheets before we call you back.

Call a Specific Regional Location

If you prefer a voice-to-voice conversation, calling our local dealerships directly is the fastest way to get answers. We have strategically placed locations to serve the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic:

  • Tennessee: Johnson City (our original home!), Murfreesboro, Sevierville, Columbia, and Jackson.

  • Georgia: Lake Park.

  • North Carolina: Greenville.

  • Virginia: Richmond.

When you call, ask to speak with the Fleet or Custom Order Specialist. They will have the most up-to-date information on factory production schedules, which can fluctuate based on seasonal demand.

Visit the Showroom for a Consult

Nothing beats sitting in a similar model to "feel" the space before you customize it. We invite families to visit our stores for a no-pressure walkthrough. This allows you to see the difference between a Forest River layout and a Grand Design finish in person.

During a visit, we can pull up the manufacturer’s internal portal and show you exactly which upgrades—such as solar packages, lithium battery banks, or upgraded insulation—are available for your specific build.

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Essential Information to Prepare Before Contacting Us

To make your custom build inquiry as productive as possible, we suggest having a few key details ready. This helps us provide an accurate quote and timeline.

Know Your Tow Vehicle's Capacity

Before we can finalize a custom fifth wheel or travel trailer order, we need to ensure your truck is up to the task. Custom builds often add weight through upgraded appliances or larger water tanks.

  • Check the sticker inside your driver-side door frame for the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).

  • Consider if you plan to upgrade your vehicle soon, as this may change the size of RV you can realistically order.

Define Your "Must-Haves" vs. "Nice-to-Haves"

Customizing an RV is exciting, but it’s easy to get carried away with the options list. We recommend making a list of non-negotiables. Are you looking for the "Four Seasons" protection of an Alliance RV? Do you need the specialized toy hauler garage of a Grand Design Momentum? Having these priorities clear helps us guide you toward the right brand and model.

Understand the Timeline

Custom builds are not overnight projects. Depending on the manufacturer, lead times can range from 8 weeks to several months. By contacting us early in the season, we can help ensure your new rig arrives in time for your first family trip of the year.


The A&L Difference: Why Your Connection Matters

Choosing which dealer to contact for a custom build is just as important as choosing the RV brand itself. At A&L RV Sales, we take pride in being the largest family-owned RV dealership group in the Southeast. This "family" aspect isn't just a label; it’s how we treat our customers.

Warranty Forever: Peace of Mind for Life

One of the biggest concerns for custom buyers is long-term reliability. We address this head-on with our Warranty Forever program. When you purchase a qualifying new RV through us, we provide a lifetime powertrain warranty at no cost to you.

  • What it covers: Suspension, braking systems, water systems, LP gas systems, and even kitchen appliances.

  • The Requirement: Simply follow the manufacturer-recommended annual maintenance at a professional repair facility.

  • The Benefit: No deductible and 100% coverage on parts and labor for as long as you own the unit.

Post-Sale Support and Service

A custom build is a complex machine. After the sale, you need a dealer who can provide technical expertise. With eight locations across Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia, you are never far from an A&L service bay. Our technicians are factory-trained by the brands we sell, ensuring that your Brinkley or Forest River is maintained to the highest standards.


Step-by-Step Checklist for Your Custom Build Inquiry

When you reach out to us, follow these steps to ensure a smooth process:

  • Research the Brands: Familiarize yourself with the core offerings of Grand Design, Jayco, and Brinkley.

  • Locate Your Nearest A&L: Choose the location most convenient for your future service needs (e.g., Richmond, VA or Murfreesboro, TN).

  • Submit Your Inquiry: Use our online form and specify your interest in a custom order.

  • Schedule a Consultation: Set a time to sit down with a specialist to review the manufacturer's order sheet.

  • Review Financing Options: Ask about our "No Money Down" options and current financing rates for custom orders.

  • Verify Warranty Eligibility: Confirm that your chosen build qualifies for our Warranty Forever program.


Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a custom RV build usually take?

The lead time for a custom RV varies by manufacturer. On average, you can expect a 2-month to 5-month window from the time the order is finalized to delivery. Brands like Brinkley and Grand Design are in high demand, so we recommend starting the inquiry process at least six months before your planned departure date.

Is a custom build more expensive than buying off the lot?

Not necessarily. While you are paying for specific upgrades, you aren't paying for features you don't want. Additionally, custom orders allow you to lock in pricing. At A&L RV Sales, we offer competitive, transparent pricing on all factory orders, and many of these units still qualify for our "Warranty Forever" program, adding significant long-term value.

Can I choose any floor plan for a custom build?

Custom builds are generally based on existing floor plans provided by manufacturers like Forest River or Alliance. You can customize the "options" (like solar, theater seating, or appliance upgrades), but the structural walls and slide-out positions usually remain fixed to ensure safety and structural integrity.

Can I trade in my current RV toward a custom order?

Absolutely. We welcome trades at all our locations. We can appraise your current RV while we are drafting your custom order. This allows you to continue camping in your current rig until your new custom build arrives at our dealership.

Why should I choose a family-owned dealer for my custom order?

Family-owned businesses like A&L RV Sales prioritize long-term relationships over quick sales. Because we have been operating for over 25 years, we understand that our reputation in the Southeast depends on your satisfaction. We offer a more personalized, no-pressure experience compared to large national corporations.