Build Your Ford: How Custom Factory Orders Work at Underriner Ford

July 24th, 2026 by

At a Glance

A custom factory order lets you build a new Ford exactly the way you want it, choosing the model, trim, engine, color, and options, and then have it built at the factory and shipped to Underriner Ford in The Dalles. Instead of settling for whatever is on the lot, you spec the vehicle to match how you actually drive, place the order with our team, and track it through production to delivery. It is a straightforward process, and for many Oregon buyers it is the best way to get the right truck or SUV without compromise. You can start your build online and our team will walk you through the rest.

What Is a Custom Factory Order?

A custom factory order is a new Ford built to your specifications at the assembly plant, rather than pulled from existing dealer inventory. When you order, you are telling Ford exactly which configuration to build: the model and trim level, the powertrain, the interior and exterior colors, the technology and towing packages, and the individual options that matter to you.

The result is a vehicle with no leftover extras you did not want and none of the missing features you wish it had. If you have ever walked a lot and found the right truck in the wrong color, or the right color with the wrong bed length, a factory order solves that. You get the Ford you actually pictured, spec for spec.

This approach works across much of the Ford lineup, from the F-150 and Super Duty to the Bronco, Bronco Sport, Explorer, Escape, and Expedition. Availability of specific configurations and packages can change during the model year, so building early in a cycle usually gives you the widest set of choices.

Why Order Instead of Buying Off the Lot?

Buying from inventory is fast and simple, and it is the right call when the vehicle in front of you fits. A custom factory order makes more sense when the details matter to you. Here is what ordering gives you:

  • Exactly the configuration you want. Choose the engine, drivetrain, bed or cargo setup, seating, color, and every package without settling.
  • No paying for options you will not use. Build to your needs and your budget instead of a preloaded package.
  • A clear, transparent process. You know what you ordered and what you are paying before the vehicle is ever built.
  • The right tool for the job. For work trucks, towing, off-road, or a family hauler, speccing the vehicle correctly the first time saves you money and frustration later.
For buyers in The Dalles and across the Columbia River Gorge, that matters. The vehicle that handles Oregon winters, gravel roads, boat ramps, and a daily commute is not always the one sitting on a lot the day you shop. Ordering lets you match the Ford to the way you live and work.

How the Process Works, Step by Step

Ordering a Ford is more approachable than most people expect. Here is the path from idea to driveway.

1. Build Your Ford Online

Start by configuring your vehicle. You can build your Ford online and experiment with trims, colors, and packages until the vehicle looks and works the way you want. Take your time. This is the fun part, and there is no obligation to finalize anything yet.

2. Review Your Build With Our Team

Bring your configuration to the Underriner Ford team. We will confirm that every option is available for the model year you are ordering, answer questions about packages and powertrains, and make sure the build fits your driving needs and your budget. If something you want is not orderable, we will show you the closest path to get there.

3. Place the Order and Lock It In

Once your build is confirmed, we submit the order to Ford. You will provide the details needed to reserve your vehicle, and we will explain the current terms, any deposit, and what to expect next in plain language before anything is finalized.

4. Track Production and Delivery

After the order is placed, your Ford moves into the production schedule at the factory. We will keep you updated as it is built and shipped. Build and delivery timelines vary by model, configuration, and factory scheduling, so we will give you the most current estimate we have and update you as it progresses.

5. Take Delivery at Underriner Ford

When your vehicle arrives at our dealership in The Dalles, we inspect it, prepare it, and finalize your paperwork. Then you drive home in the Ford you designed.

What You Can Customize

The exact choices depend on the model you select, but a typical factory order lets you specify:

  • Model and trim level, from work-ready base trims to fully loaded packages
  • Engine and drivetrain, including four-wheel drive and towing-focused powertrains where offered
  • Exterior color and wheels
  • Interior materials, seating, and color
  • Technology and driver-assist features
  • Capability packages for towing, hauling, or off-road use
If you are cross-shopping electrified options, our team can also explain the differences between the Ford gas, hybrid, and all-electric models so you order the right powertrain for your commute and charging situation. A hybrid and a fully electric vehicle are not the same thing, and we will make sure you understand how each one fits your daily driving before you commit.

Financing Your Custom Order

Ordering a vehicle does not mean putting financing on hold. Our finance team can walk you through your options and help you plan ahead so everything is ready when your Ford arrives. Any specific rates, payments, or terms will be confirmed in writing before you sign, with no guesswork. Reach out early and we will help you map out a plan that fits your budget.

Start Building Your Ford Today

The best way to get the exact Ford you want is to build it. Whether you are ordering a work truck for the job site, an SUV for the family, or something built for weekends in the Gorge, our team in The Dalles is ready to help you spec it right and order with confidence. Start your custom factory order online and let Underriner Ford handle the rest.

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