Renault Trucks Range C review

Renault Trucks loves construction so much it has produced two different ranges for the sector. Its ‘C’ range and ‘K’ range cater for different parts of the market, particularly addressing the diverse needs of the ‘aggregate’ to ‘muck-away’ rigid chassis sector.

The ‘C’ Range has an incredibly varied product line-up including the two-axle 19-tonne gross vehicle weight (gvw), three-axle single- and double-drive, four-axle single- and double-drive and, finally, a tractor unit in two- and three-axle forms.

There are three engines available across the range, starting with the Dti8 covering three power ratings 253PS, 284PS and 324PS with torques ratings at 950Nm, 1,050Nm and 1,200Nm respectively. The DTi11 ‘middle’ engine starts at 385PS then 436PS and finally 466PS with torque levels at 1,800Nm, 2,050Nm and 2,200Nm respectively. The top-of-the-range DTi13 starts at 446PS, then 487PS and finally 527PS with torque levels of 2,200Nm, 2,400Nm and 2,550Nm respectively.

As far as gearboxes are concerned there is a mixture of manual and automated models available, although there is only one manual in the shape of the overdrive ZF eight-speed. There are three automated gearboxes, all 12 speeds: the AT2412 and AT2612 which are direct-drive models varying only in their ability to handle the different
input torque levels, and the AT02612 which is the overdrive version of the AT2612.

Rarely has one model had as many wheelbases as the ‘C’ Range, taking into account the two cab widths, there are 32 wheelbases ranging from a very short 3,000mm to 6,800mm covering all the axle combinations from 4x2, 6x2, 6x4, 8x2 and 8x4.

Obviously, there are both single- and double-drives available, dependent on the particular needs of the operation, as well as tags, tridems and twin and rear steers.

Two parabolic single or double springs support the front axle(s) rated at 7, 7.5, 8 and 9 tonnes and whatever is fitted on the front axle is replicated on the second steered axle, if appropriate.

The rear suspension rated at 13 tonnes is available with either three-leaf parabolic springs or air suspension, with the option of two or four bag systems.

Perhaps the most important aspect of the chassis is its unladen weight, at 9,200kgs in its 8x4 twinwheel format it is the lightest rigid on the market, allowing 22,800kgs for both body and payload. This key feature of the ‘C’ range means potential increased profitability, especially if you are paid by the load or, look at it another way, it offers less opportunity to be overloaded.

The ‘C’ XLOAD is Renault Trucks’ lightest configuration and can also be pre-equipped for concrete mixer applications.

Looking at the three-axle models, one of the most popular is the C460.26 6x4 with a body/payload in excess of 17,000kgs, thanks to its 11-litre engine, the most powerful one.

All engines have some form of exhaust brake or engine brake as well as retarders, with the most popular featuring Renault Trucks’ own ‘Optibrake’ system, with 170kW of braking power on the DTi8, 300kW on the DTi11 and 382kW on the DTi13.

The ‘C’ Range has the usual array of electronic braking systems including emergency brake assist, automatic emergency braking, emergency brake lights as well as electronic stability control and hill start aid.

Standard warranty is 24 months, unlimited mileage.