RV 10 finish kit delays

huse0054 · #1 01-25-2022, 11:05 AM

I know there are plenty of threads on the supply chain delays, increase demand etc...just wanted to highlight my experience to see how common this is with fellow RV 10 builders and to just say to others... place your orders years in advance!

I thought I placed my finish kit order plenty early. I even deleted many items like the cowl, brakes, windows, tires etc... So maybe incorrectly assumed it would come in before the expected date.

My order was placed in March of 2021 right after I completed my tail kit. I was told to expect the finish kit the end of Nov. I called end of Nov. and was told end of Dec. Was then told more like end of Jan. for crating. As of today there is no expected date and am waiting to hear back from Van's. Looks like I will be over a year for just the finish kit.

I have managed to complete the fuselage the end of Dec. and am now playing the waiting game and haven't really been able to make any meaningful progress which is frustrating but hey it could be worse.

I'm not ranting just wanted to provide my experience for others who haven't placed orders yet, get them in early.

I am very grateful for Van's, their customer support and for giving us all the opportunity to fulfill our dreams and passions. I feel blessed everyday and suppose I just need to work on my patience

cjf154 · #2 01-25-2022, 12:10 PM

I'm in the same boat as you. I ordered by RV 10 Finishing Kit the first week of April 2021. My crating date was Dec 14th. That date has come and gone. In late December I sent a note to Vans customer service and received a boilerplate response. My progress is pretty much stopped at the moment.

huse0054 · #3 01-25-2022, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjf154

I'm in the same boat as you. I ordered by RV 10 Finishing Kit the first week of April 2021. My crating date was Dec 14th. That date has come and gone. In late December I sent a note to Vans customer service and received a boilerplate response. My progress is pretty much stopped at the moment.

Glad to hear I'm not alone.... was worried that maybe I got lost in the shuffle.

Electrogunner · #4 01-25-2022, 12:44 PM

Same boat
I will say, I will be one unhappy camper if I see a RV15 at Osh before I see my finish kit. Just sayin.

PhatRV · #5 01-25-2022, 12:55 PM

From memory, I don't think Vans produce much of the finishing kit in-house. most of the items are tires, wheels, cables, hose, exhaust, which are supplied by other vendors. While I ordered my finishing kit about 1 year before the OP, the missing items were delivered 3-4 months after the kit was received. I don't think my situation is dissimilar to other people. With the suppliers running behind, even aircraft spruce is having trouble with backorder for common items too.

huse0054 · #6 01-25-2022, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhatRV

From memory, I don't think Vans produce much of the finishing kit in-house. most of the items are tires, wheels, cables, hose, exhaust, which are supplied by other vendors. While I ordered my finishing kit about 1 year before the OP, the missing items were delivered 3-4 months after the kit was received. I don't think my situation is dissimilar to other people. With the suppliers running behind, even aircraft spruce is having trouble with backorder for common items too.

Honestly, all I really care about at this point is getting the doors so I can start working on that dreaded process

. Most of the other stuff you mentioned I ordered aftermarket anyway and deleted from the kit. I wonder if VAN's would just ship me the doors so I can get started on those.

Duhg · #7 01-25-2022, 01:11 PM

I'm waiting on an 8 finishing kit ordered in July. Also removed a lot of parts including cowl, canopy, tires etc.. At the time it showed a 5 month wait; now shows 11. I ordered the Hartzell prop at the same time they figured it would be 6-8 weeks. Last I asked they had no idea but the website currently shows 6 months. Like you, I don't blame Vans for the delays and agree others should plan much further ahead than they expect to actually need the stuff. It's difficult to cough up that much money sometimes years before you'll see the product not knowing where you'll be in the build or your life at that time.

AlpineYoda · #8 01-25-2022, 01:14 PM

It isn't just Van's. I won't name names here, but there are two things from other parties that I need to finish my build and get flying.

The first one has an expiration date, and I was told to buy it near the time of first flight since it was always available within 2 weeks. Placed my order. Four month delay.

The other is something custom that had an 8 month waiting list when I placed the order. 16 months and counting...

huse0054 · #9 01-25-2022, 01:19 PM

Curious, has anyone purchased a finish kit from Van's in January, February or March of 2021 and received it? Specifically for a 10.

dmattmul · #10 01-25-2022, 05:50 PM

I'm sure you can ask them for certain parts of the kits ahead of the entire kit. The issue is so many of the parts are interconnected with parts from the fuselage coming together with the finishing and FWF kits. I'm guessing they would take a look at where in the que you are and review how many parts are in inventory and or in the delivery cycle. It's not going to be very efficient from shipping perspective but at this time people are willing to pay a premium for parts delivered earlier. I've seen a customer who had his RV-10 QB kits get a 25k premium over what he paid and then that same buyer received a 25k over what he paid. The Vans machines are doing very well on the open market (And desirably so) and we are lucky to have Vans although the company has taken a bashing. I received a BFR a few years ago in a 172 and could hardly stand flying it. Before that a 152 and almost fell asleep before getting to cruising altitude.