New security features keep your Trafic ahead of the van thieves

Renault Trucks launched its Trafic medium van last summer, and true to form has made it available in a number of conversions, as well as a panel van. Company Car & Van popped down to Warwick for chat with Grahame Neagus, Head of LCV & Municipal, UK & Ireland Commercial Sales Department, Renault Trucks UK, who showed us around several of these key models...

Grahame began by telling us that in order to differentiate the Renault Trucks Trafic from the standard RSA Trafic, they decided to sell a range of models that were not only different to the Renault retail offering, but which appeal more to the professional operator.

This means Trafics with different specs and roles for potential customers.

For instance, they decided to tackle one of tradespeople’s top concerns, theft from the vehicle, by launching a reinforced Trafic Van to combat van break-ins.

To safeguard your tools and equipment, the Trafic can now be specified with a Cat 1 alarm, fully lined interior and floor, and a unique internal security system and fully sealed steel mesh internal door system with an internal five-point locking mechanism fitted to rear and side, with apertures finished off with an externa high impact clear Perspex covering.

It is something that’s really needed: according to recent research, van theft costs tradespeople £264 million per year, with tool thefts costing tradespeople £5,584 on average, each time their van gets broken into. Additionally, a van break-in also puts the average tradesperson out of work for 30 days, costing them a further £5,982 in missed jobs, on top of the cost of replacing tools and materials.

Grahame told us that: “For builders, carpenters, plumbers and heating engineers, van break-ins and tool theft can seriously impact their business financially.

“We have designed this vehicle to deter thieves in the first instance, protect valuable content and to offer total peace of mind for our tradespeople who rely on their tools for the continuity of their business.”

Available on the Trafic L1H1, L2H1 & L2H2 Red EDITION and EXCLUSIVE models, the on-board tool safe is flush-mounted into the vehicle, reducing internal space by only 30mm and weighs just 105kg.

Alongside this and based on the Renault Trucks Trafic Red EDITION Platform cab, customers can also choose a Trafic Red EDITION Caged Dropside, which is suitable for a variety of applications, including construction, municipal, parks, arborists, and rubbish clearance.

With a typical payload of 900kgs with caged side or 1,000kgs without, it is available as either a Caged Dropside body or in a standard Dropside body and features an L2 wheelbase, Single H1 cab, Euro 6 Step E 150ps engine and 6-speed manual gearbox.

This latest vehicle boasts an impressive array of unique features including sloping alloy plank floor for easy evacuation of the load, cab high drop-down mesh sides in addition to the conventional alloy dropsides, full height rear mesh doors and underfloor tool storage with lockable doors either side, as well as being fully Chapter 8 compliant including LED and Strobe lighting and chevrons.

And for those business requiring a refrigerated van, the Red EDITION CHILLER is fitted with a refrigerated chiller box body and is also available as a freezer or dual compartment. Suitable for food, plant or pharmaceutical products required to be transported in a chilled state, the new vehicle provides a larger space than a standard refrigerated van, together with a typical 865 to 1000kgs payload, while still offering nearside access via a single door as well as well as twin doors to the rear.

The Red EDITION CHILLER also features an L2 wheelbase, single H1 cab, moveable bulkhead for dual temperature, electric standby facility and Euro 6 Step E 150ps engine with 6 speed manual gearbox.

Both conversions have been provided by approved convertors P.D.Stevens & Sons Limited, Market Drayton, for the caged dropside, and Gray & Adams on the chiller box.

Moving away from the business side of life, you can now also get yourself a Renault Trucks Trafic Red EXCLUSIVE Roadtrip Campervan.

Developed in conjunction with approved converter Sussex Campervans Limited, and based on the Trafic Red EXCLUSIVE, the Roadtrip comes in L2 wheelbase and H1 single cab form. The version pictured right is finished in metallic comet grey with red and silver accents and offers an exceptionally high-level camper van and holiday experience.

The vehicle is available in any colour from the Red EXCLUSIVE range along with any of the standard options ex factory as well as a completely bespoke interior.

Unique features include a fully-electric lifting and retracting roof system activated by a remote-control hand fob, especially suitable for those with limited strength and upper body movement, a four-berth sleeping facility and two-tone leather interior in cream and raspberry (with a multitude of other colours and fabrics available).

The new Red EXCLUSIVE Roadtrip can be specified to suit all tastes and requirements and includes swivelling front seats, rear toilet system, integrated full induction cooker, on-board electric system, 50-litre fridge freezer, maximum roof size solar panel, rear-mounted bike carrier and low-profile side awning as standard. It can also be specified in the slightly shorter L1H1 version too as well as being offered with rear tailgate doors. Roll on ‘Festival Season!’

Grahame also told us about some exciting telematics and insurance plans for the brand, across both Trafic and Master models, more of which we’ll be talking about in CC&V later this year!