Converted Renault Master vans are joining the RAC fleet to provide misfuelling recovery services to motorists.

The recovery service has ordered 26 Master panel vans for use by its dedicated Fuel Patrols – replacing its entire fleet of Fuel Patrol vehicles with this initial order of Renault patrol vans.

In addition to providing a mis-fuelling recovery service and coming to the aid of drivers who have run out of fuel, the dedicated patrols will assist on callouts for flat batteries and wheel changes.

The patrols are also able to carry replacement batteries and the RAC’s universal spare wheel.

The increase in payload over its previous Fuel Patrol vehicles was instrumental in the RAC choosing the Master.

With a payload up to 1,684kg, the Master ensures the Fuel Patrols no longer face the challenge of not being able to accommodate everything they require – they can now carry all the tools they may require without compromising working space. By having additional room for diagnostic equipment and spare parts, the Master allows the patrols to attend non-fuel related breakdowns at quieter times, improving the efficiency and efficacy of these specialist vehicles within the RAC fleet.

The RAC opted for the front-wheel-drive, short-wheelbase, low-roof Master panel van.

All 26 vans feature the Business level of trim and are powered by the 2.3-litre dCi 125 turbo diesel engine.

As part of the conversion into Fuel Patrol vehicles, each Master van has been fitted with a bespoke fuel cell and custom-manufactured fuel draining equipment that can only be accessed through the back doors – ensuring there are no issues with fuel fumes and meaning that there is more space in the body of the van.

All of the vehicles were supplied via Renault Birmingham, and leased through the RAC’s leasing partner, Hitachi. As with all other Renault LCV models, the Master comes complete with a four-year/100,000-mile warranty.

RAC Fleet Operations Manager Timothy Hartles said: “With the payload that the Master offers, it really is the right vehicle for the job, while we’ve also noticed that the vans are significantly more economical than our previous fuel patrol vehicles, by as much as around 15 per cent, which will help to lower our running costs.

“Feedback from the patrols has been very good, our drivers are saying that they are well equipped, comfortable and, with the increased space, much easier to work inside than our previous vehicles.”

Patrick Whyman, manager, national corporate sales, Renault Group UK, said: “We are delighted that the RAC has recognised that the many benefits of the Master make it the perfect vehicle for its Fuel Patrols. We are looking forward to a long and successful partnership with the leading motoring organisation.

“It’s very pleasing to know that our vans are helping motorists at a time when they need it most, potentially saving them thousands of pounds, and getting them back on the road with the minimum of fuss.”