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Renault Range D-Wide CNG
The Renault Trucks Range D - Running on Gas Naturally!
The urban distribution sector may not appear as glamorous as the long-distance segment, where drivers travel to exotic-sounding European destinations like Paris, Rome, or Berlin. In contrast, there is little glamour about 12 deliveries and 8 collections in Dublin, Limerick, Galway - or anywhere really! It is tough and stressful work and one way to ease the stress is to use a vehicle specifically designed for that work - such as the Renault Trucks Range D.
The Range D has been an immense success for Renault Trucks in what is an important sector for all vehicle manufacturers. It may not grab the headlines when compared to its bigger siblings such as the Range C, K and particularly the T-High. Yet for many OEMs this segment accounts for over 30% of their production volumes, and as these vehicles service a vast number of industries it is important that manufacturers get the vehicles right.
The vehicle tested here featured the Wide version of the Range D cab, which gives a more substantial appearance to the truck. The cab is well suited to the urban distribution sector with two-step easy access through doors that open to 90 degrees and well-placed grab rails. Inside the cab is spacious, and while all the materials used are functional they are of good quality. The driver’s seat for example has a full range of adjustments including lumbar support and is an example some other higher spec units would do well to adopt. The truck strikes a correct balance between providing all the driver needs to do the job and keeping the job of driving simple with a high level of consideration for safety.
The safety features of the Range D-Wide are shown with a comprehensive array of mirrors and a vision panel set into the near side door. Although the vision panel prevents the use of a vertical window opening, the sliding nearside window is electrically operated and is perfectly functional. The D-Wide is a pleasant cab with suitable storage in the door pockets, above the windscreen and behind the seats, and for this area of operation, the D-Wide is well suited to the job at hand.
As previously said this is not the easiest sector to work in and sometimes the niceties of the truck can be lost on a driver under pressure to deliver. Most drivers simply want the truck to perform and help them to do their job. Renault Trucks has managed to achieve this as the Range D is simple to drive. This is of course helped by the 6-speed Allison which means the driver just has to press D to go and the transmission will then look after the rest. The fully automatic transmission is renowned for being highly robust and is arguably the best option for the rigours of urban distribution. The test unit was fitted with the Allison 3200V which offers the option to select either ‘Eco’ or ‘Dynamic’ modes and
in either mode, the transmission works well with Renault’s 8.9 litre Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) engine.
Taking the CNG Range D from Renault Trucks’ HQ at Setanta House in Ballycoolin out on a typical day’s work of mixed driving, this included heavy traffic, some motorway kilometres and the general urban drive around Dublin city centre and to the outskirts. It is an easy truck to drive, with a sense of urgency as it moves off quickly from rest and picks up the pace smartly. The automatic driveline allows the driver to concentrate on safely negotiating the truck through what is often an high-risk environment with the many hazards urban driving
can offer. Here the large mirrors were found to be something to be conscious of as they can on occasion create a blindspot - as with all mirror assemblies. Nevertheless, this can be resolved by moving slightly forward to see past the mirror head.
One aspect noticed was the lack of an engine brake or retarder. This at first did feel a little strange as it is now almost standard fitment on all trucks. However after a short time this ceased to be an issue. On any descent, and when required, the Allison will hold a preferred gear to deliver, at the press of a button, as controlled a descent as needed. The braking and stability of the D were balanced and even, as was the steering, while with a 10.7m kerb-to-kerb turning circle, the 4x2 is highly manoeuvrable. The four-point suspended cab manages to provide a firm comfortable ride without being too harsh.
The truck presented for this assessment was an attractive combination of Range D fitted with a multi-temp Lamberet body by Fitzgeralds Vehicle Bodies (Cork). Inside the bodywork was equally as attractive, with an easy-to-use split door and a slim rear-mounted dual evaporator fitting neatly into the roof. The Carrier Transicold Supra 1250 Mt unit was itself an interesting piece of equipment as it also operates on CNG and was fuelled from the main sets of eight 100-litres (120kg) tanks, meaning only one fill point. In addition to its quiet operation Carrier claims the Supra CNG can deliver up to a 25% reduction in CO2 and an impressive 95% reduction in particulate emissions.
The Range D model has been a significant success for Renault Trucks and this will continue to be the case as the model can be offered to customers powered by either diesel, gas or fully electric. This CNG version has been in use with several customers for quite some time now and has performed well. Importantly the CNG trucks have delivered significant savings towards the overall costs of fuel, although the current volatile nature of energy costs means the savings can fluctuate quite dramatically. Nevertheless, being able to take advantage of the cheapest fuel at any given time can help the bottom line of any company and should be considered.
The current level of restrictions imposed on vehicular traffic entering cities and urban environments will undoubtedly increase. The restrictions will focus on vehicle emissions and this will make vehicle selection critical, especially for commercial traffic. This is where the Renault Trucks CNG options could solve a number of issues. In addition, the nature of the work can make it difficult to attract drivers and while there is little we can do about the level of restrictions, making at least the job of driving easier could help to retain staff.
SPEc chEcK
Text & Photos: Paul White – paul@fleet.ie
Make / Model
Renault Trucks Range D 320 CNG Chassis / Cab 4 x 2 / Range D-Wide / 4 Point Cab Suspension Engine / Euro Rating Renault Trucks NGT 9 / 8.9 Litre / Euro 6 Step D Rated Power/Torque 320 hp (239 kW) @ 2100 rpm / 1360 Nm from 1300 - 1400 rpm Transmission 6-Speed Allison 3200V Fully Automatic Torque Converter Braking & Safety Discs all round - EBS - ASR - ESC - Hill Start - LDW - AEBS Suspension Front: Parabolic Leaf Springs with Stabiliser Bar Rear: Air Suspension with Stabiliser Bar Axle/Ratio/Engine Speed P13170 with Single Reduction / Ratio 5.29:1/ 1668 rpm - @ 90 Kph
Fuel / Capacity
Eight 100-litre (120Kg) steel CNG tanks. Mounted longitudinal within the wheelbase four per side. Wheels / Tyres Steel / Steer Axle: Michelin X Multi Z - 315/70 R22.5 Steel / Drive Axle: Michelin X Multi D - 315/70 R22.5 Bodywork / Ancillaries Lamberet Refrigerated Body with External Side and Internal Split Door Carrier Supra 1250 Mt Dual Evaporator CNG Temp Control Unit Zepro SZFT (1500/200) Tail-lift
Obituary - Liam Tarrant (Cork)
In early July, a popular, innovative, and long-time successful haulier, Liam Tarrant was laid to rest. At a time when most young people emigrated to the UK in the hope of finding work on a building site, Liam headed for America. Although barely 21 years of age he bought a truck and started hauling coast to coast. After a few years, he became aware of the opportunities developing in Ireland with the impending membership of what was then called the EEC (European Economic Community). Returning home in 1973, a Volvo F89 and a Fruehauf fridge supplied by Dennisons soon arrived in Cork. It bore a name and livery that would become known as one of the pioneers of international road haulage in Ireland, Blackwater International and more recently Tarrant International. A new continent was in Liam’s sights, soon Blackwater trucks were travelling the length and breadth of Europe.
Nothing ever fazed Liam, he attracted success. Anyone that took Liam’s smile as a symbol of idleness would be in for a rude awakening, it masked an active mind, always considering the next challenge, but never anticipating a problem that could not be sorted. Liam only ever saw opportunities.
Although born in Knocknaboul, Kerry, a heritage he was very proud of, Liam settled well in Cork. He was easy company and more than anything else enjoyed good company. Liam’s family will miss him terribly, particularly his wife, Sheila. She was as much part of the success story, having run the accounts department for the past thirty years. Liam’s sons, Donagh and Fergal joined him in the business in 2003, and over the past twenty years he was able to guide them through a seamless transition of power, while imparting his knowledge and values to them. Liam witnessed what started out as a dream become one of the finest companies in the region. Outside the church in Glounthaune, after Liam’s requiem mass, some of the simplest and finest tributes were paid to him by drivers and other hauliers.
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