You would expect most owner drivers, when confronted with spending their own money might opt for a Scania, Volvo or maybe even a Mercedes truck. Paul Irving had a different idea and opted for a Renault T520 6×2 rear lift tractor unit as his pride and joy.
The top spec truck was supplied by Carlisle Renault Trucks dealer Border Trucks and certainly looks the part.
Experienced Owner Driver
No newcomer to the owner driver business, Paul has been owner-driving for more than 20 years in the timber industry. In addition, his last truck was a Renault T520, so he has plenty of experience of them. He says, “It’s a fantastic forestry truck with the excellent traction that you need working in that terrain. It was still performing well as it came up to five years old so I did look into an R&M, but it was more beneficial to go for a new one – the new T High is a little bit of luxury for myself! “Now I’m working on more general and flatbed haulage, I’m away five to six days a week spending four to five nights in the truck. When I’m parked up on a night, the flat floor makes such a difference, there’s plenty of living room in the cab. I had a Magnum back in 2000 and this really is the next generation, it’s a brilliant lorry to live in.”
The Range T High Spec
His Renault T High is fitted with the full kitchen sink – Alcoa Dura-Bright aluminium wheels, twin airhorns, metallic spotlights, name board and personalised number plate. The chequer plate infill and side skirts are by D&D fabrication, Carlisle.
Inside the Renault T High, Paul went just as over the top with the spec list. From the heated & cooled air-suspension, leather-trimmed driver’s seat, the upper bunk transforms into storage with access ladder and luggage net, while the lower bunk ensures a restful sleep on nights away. Equipped with a 40L quiet fridge, microwave and RoadPad+ infotainment and navigation system, the cab provides home-from-home comforts on the road
The tractor unit has a 512hp 13-litre Euro 6 engine, and 12 speed Optidriver automated transmission system which is highly rated by Paul. Rear suspension is on air, while Paul opted for standard 2-leaf springs on the front:
“I’ve never had air on the front so I’ve never missed it, and I’ve not broken any front end springs yet!”
Quality service support from the local dealer was also a major factor in Paul selecting another Renault truck. “Border Trucks are absolutely brilliant from top to bottom. It’s a really welcoming place, the first thing you do is go in and have a cup of tea. The boys in the garage are fantastic, they know I’m an owner driver so if there’s any pressure on me to get away, they’ll stay on later and get the job done.”
