The OEM Process: How Custom RV Jacks Are Made in China

TL;DR: The OEM process for custom RV jacks takes 8-16 weeks from initial inquiry to delivery. Key steps include specification review, tooling investment, prototype testing, quality validation, mass production, and sea freight shipping. Working with an Intertek-verified manufacturer reduces risk and ensures consistent quality.

Why OEM from China?

Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) from China offers significant advantages:

Cost reduction: 30-50% savings vs. Western manufacturers
Customization: Tailored specifications for your market
Capacity: Scalable production from 100 to 10,000+ units
Quality: Modern factories with advanced equipment

This guide walks you through the complete OEM process using a real-world example: ordering 500 units of custom electric stabilizer jacks.

Step 1: Initial Inquiry and Specification

Defining Your Requirements

Before contacting manufacturers, prepare detailed specifications:

Parameter	Example Specification
Load Capacity	5,000 lbs static, 3,000 lbs dynamic
Stroke Length	14 inches (356 mm)
Operating Voltage	12V DC
Mount Type	Bolt-on, 4-bolt pattern
Finish	Powder coat, black
Certification	CE, RoHS required

Requesting Quotes

When requesting quotes, ask for:

✅ Unit price at 100, 500, and 1,000 quantities
✅ Tooling/mold costs (one-time)
✅ Sample pricing and lead time
✅ Payment terms
✅ Quality certifications

Step 2: Supplier Verification

Factory Audit Checklist

Before proceeding, verify the manufacturer:

Production Capabilities

Quality Systems

Business Credentials

Export license
Bank account for international transactions
References from other buyers
Insurance coverage

Step 3: Sample Development

Prototyping Phase

After selecting a supplier:

Week 1-2: Engineering Review

Manufacturer reviews your specifications
Identifies any manufacturing challenges
Suggests optimizations for producibility
Finalizes technical drawings

Week 3-4: First Samples

Initial prototypes produced
Expect 1-3 revision cycles
Each revision takes 1-2 weeks

Week 5-6: Testing and Approval

Function testing
Load testing
Environmental testing (if required)
Final approval

Sample Testing Checklist

Test	Method	Pass Criteria
Static Load	Apply 125% of rated capacity for 5 min	No deformation
Dynamic Load	100 cycles at 80% capacity	No mechanical failure
Drop Test	1 meter drop	No damage to function
Salt Spray	96 hours exposure	No red rust
Function	50 extend/retract cycles	All functions normal

Step 4: Tooling and Setup

Investment Requirements

Custom RV jacks require:

Molds and Dies

Worm gear molds: $3,000-8,000
Housing casting dies: $5,000-15,000
Sheet metal dies: $2,000-5,000

Tooling Lead Time

Simple parts: 2-3 weeks
Complex castings: 4-6 weeks
Total tooling: 6-8 weeks

Cost Allocation Example (500 units)

Item	Cost	Per Unit Impact
Tooling	$20,000	$40/unit
First samples	$2,000	$4/unit
Mass production	$75,000	$150/unit
Total	$97,000	$194/unit

At 500 units, tooling adds $40 per unit. At 2,000 units, it's only $10 per unit.

Step 5: Mass Production

Production Timeline

Month 1: Material Procurement

Steel, aluminum, copper
Motors, electronics
Fasteners, seals

Month 2: Component Manufacturing

Machining (CNC)
Casting/forging
Welding
Surface treatment

Month 3: Assembly and Testing

Component inspection
Sub-assembly
Full assembly
Testing and QC
Packaging

Quality Control Points

Incoming Inspection

Raw material certificates
Component dimensional checks
Supplier documentation

In-Process Inspection

Weld quality (10% sampling)
Torque verification
Assembly line checks

Final Inspection

100% function testing
Visual inspection
Random load testing
Packaging verification

Step 6: Shipping and Logistics

Shipping Options

Sea Freight (Recommended for 500+ units)

Cost: $0.50-1.50 per kg
Transit: 20-35 days
FCL (20ft container): 500-800 units
LCL: For smaller quantities

Air Freight (For samples/emergencies)

Cost: $3-8 per kg
Transit: 5-7 days
Best for: Samples, small orders

Shipping Checklist

Import Duties

Country	RV Jack Duty Rate
USA	2.5-5.7%
EU	2.7%
Australia	5%
Canada	Free (USMCA)

Step 7: Receiving and QC

Receiving Inspection

When your shipment arrives:

Count verification: Match to packing list
Visual inspection: Check for shipping damage
Dimensional check: Spot check critical dimensions
Function test: Sample 5% of units
Documentation: File all certificates

Common Issues and Solutions

Issue	Cause	Solution
Scratches	Packing inadequate	Require foam inserts
Missing parts	Assembly error	100% check before shipping
Motor failure	Quality issue	100% function test, warranty
Wrong voltage	Order error	Clear labeling in order docs

Total Timeline and Cost Summary

Typical OEM Timeline

Phase	Duration	Cumulative
Specification	1-2 weeks	Week 2
Supplier verification	2-3 weeks	Week 5
Sample development	4-6 weeks	Week 11
Tooling	6-8 weeks	Week 19
Mass production	8-12 weeks	Week 31
Shipping	3-5 weeks	Week 36

Total: 8-9 months from inquiry to delivery

Cost Comparison: OEM vs. Stock

Cost Factor	Stock Product	OEM (500 units)
Unit price	$250	$190
Shipping	$15/unit	$1.50/kg
Tooling	$0	$40/unit
Total per unit	$265	$231

Savings: $17,000 (500 units)

Next Steps

Ready to start your OEM project? Here's your action plan:

Prepare specifications: Use our RV Jack Specification Template as a guide
Request quotes: Contact Henghong for a detailed quote
Verify capability: Ask for factory audit video and references
Order samples: Test before committing to production

We specialize in custom electric jacks, automatic leveling systems, and stabilizers for RV manufacturers and distributors worldwide.

Start your OEM project or contact our engineering team to discuss your requirements.

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