For the past three years, ReFresh has resurrected aged and worn RV exteriors into shining surfaces. The company recently brought its refurbishing processes to dealers through a new Route 66 RV Network program.
ReFresh will train dealer technicians on ReFresh’s restoration practices and products. Dealers may also opt to have ReFresh employees visit their dealerships and perform the process. ReFresh’s service fits into a dealership’s service, F&I and aftermarket departments.
ReFresh’s process begins by cleaning the exterior and removing adhesive, black marks and oxidation. Then, the company adds what ReFresh President Jason Grimm refers to as “the cherry on top.” The RV is lathered in three to four layers of a proprietary coating, which provides durability. According to Grimm, in addition to restoring exterior shine, the coating is scratch-resistant and reduces surface temperature by 15%. The coating bonds to various surfaces, including fiberglass, metal, rubber and windows.
Grimm said the service is “a more permanent fix” when compared with buffing. Bennett said the company will restore any model year.
Grimm said, “It’s restorative, it’s protective, all wrapped up in one perfect package.”
ReFresh is expanding from performing the restoration work itself to instruction dealerships on how to clean up the RVs in the same way.
ReFresh Vice President Dannie Bennett Jr. said, “It’s very teachable. Someone can learn in a couple of days how to do this.”
By teaching the dealer staff, F&I managers are able to provide the service as a non-cancellable product. The ReFresh restoration and cleaning products can be sold on the front end or back end of a financed sale.
Selling the serving enables F&I managers to include a paint protection contract for used RVs for which consumers typically would not consider buying additional exterior protection.
ReFresh’s offerings include aftermarket cleaning products dealers can sell. The company’s soaps and sprays extend the coating’s benefits.
Grimm said, “With some proper maintenance and some good chemicals, they can make it last even longer.”
According to Grimm, the refurbishment can boost an RV’s selling price between $5,000 to $10,000.
ReFresh currently serves more than 80 dealerships in eight states. Its Route 66 program marks the first time the provider is presenting dealer training.
ReFresh provides a three-year warranty on used RV services and a five-year warranty on new RV services.
