Waterless detailer and bug remover BugSlide has enjoyed success in the motorcycle market since 2007. Now, the supplier is expanding its efforts in the RV aftermarket.
The company secured a partnership with veteran industry representative Harry Allen and a distribution network including Atlas Trailer Coach, Keller Marine and RV and Laurelhurst Distributors.
“BugSlide is transitioning from its stronghold in the motorcycle community to dominate the broader vehicle care market,” a company spokesperson said. “The expansion ensures that RV enthusiasts have immediate access to a product that cleans, shines and protects in a single step.”
The company was founded by a Wisconsin couple who created the cleaning product. The couple started the business by selling BugSlide out of the trunk of their car.
Director of Sales Laurie Ziegler said, “It kind of just started to take off because people discovered that it worked. Harley Davidson dealerships started to get wind of it and started bringing it in.”
The company describes the product as a polymer-based formula suited for RVs’ large surface areas. The cleaning product contains SPF 10 UV filters to prevent fiberglass fading. The cleaner also leaves a non-stick finish.
In 2015, the company’s original owners were ready to retire and sold the supplier to Everline Products.
Roughly two years ago, the company took a hard look at the motorcycle industry and decided it was time to branch out.
“I kind of saw the writing on the wall,” Zeigler said. “There is always room for some growth, but if we wanted to grow like we want to grow, we needed to go outside of that world.”
The RV market was attractive because Ziegler said the company sees significant crossover among motorcycle and toy hauler owners.
“I had a lot of people come up to me about five years ago asking for some larger sizes because they use it on their RV,” Zeigler said. “We added a 32-ounce spray bottle and a gallon refill to answer their requests.”
Ziegler said the 32-ounce bottle and gallon refill bottle sold better than the company anticipated. The success led to more RV market exploration.
A mutual acquaintance introduced Allen approximately a year ago.
“Bringing on a seasoned professional like Harry to represent the brand, coupled with the logistical power of distribution partners,” Ziegler said, “positions BugSlide to become a staple in every garage in America.”
Allen has over 54 years of experience in distribution. He said news of an RV distributor program is in the works.
“We are going to offer the RV distributors a program,” Allen said, keeping additional details close to the vest. “I think BugSlide is going to be a big deal in the industry.”
BugSlide is available in roughly 500 to 625 dealerships and in over half of Harley Davidson shops. The company added approximately 25 RV dealerships in the past year.
Keller Marine & RV was among the first distribution companies to sign up BugSlide.
“They have been our top distributors so far and just great to work with,” Ziegler said. “They have really helped expand the BugSlide name amongst the RV world.”
BugSlide’s highest sales occur in southern U.S. states, where motorcycling and RVing are year-round activities.
“With Keller’s third warehouse opening up in Louisiana, I think it is really going to expand much more quickly,” Ziegler said. “Adding somebody like Keller that has those warehouses down there, in both Florida and Louisiana, is just going to help so much hitting those folks down there.”
The company offers a 16-ounce shop kit that includes a microfiber towel in a resealable bag. BugSlide also offers 32-ounce, 64-ounce, 1-gallon and 2.5-gallon refills.
“This product, even though they may not have heard of it,” Ziegler said, “it is something that everybody who drives an RV should have because it is so easy to use.”
