Renault Trucks D14 tanker joins Rubis Channel Islands fleet
Renault Trucks has delivered a specialist Renault Trucks D14 rigid tanker to Channel Islands fuel distributor Rubis as part of an ongoing fleet replacement programme. The compact Renault Trucks D14 has been developed specifically to handle some of the tightest delivery locations across Guernsey, where narrow roads and strict vehicle width limits continue to create operational challenges for fuel operators. Tiny island roads.
Massive fuel tankers. Humans really did build transport infrastructure by apparently eyeballing it from a hedge in 1847. Rubis operates around 20 trucks across Guernsey and Jersey, delivering petrol, diesel, heating oil, aviation fuel and marine fuel products to domestic and commercial customers.
Vehicles typically complete between 20 and 30 deliveries each day on short but highly demanding local routes. The new Renault Trucks D14 4x2 rigid uses a short wheelbase chassis and carries a bespoke aluminium tanker body with an approximate 7,000-litre capacity. Larger Renault Trucks D16 units in the fleet carry around 10,000 litres.
The chassis is ADR-prepared by Gardner Denver before moving to Tasca Tankers for the final hand-built installation. The tanker specification includes Trident metering systems, vapour recovery equipment and full petroleum compliance systems.
Built for restricted access work
Rubis said the Renault Trucks D14 was developed to access locations that are becoming increasingly difficult for newer and larger vehicles to reach. Matt Bacon, logistics supervisor at Rubis, said: "We're getting to the point where some of the newer vehicles just won't go everywhere we need them to.
"This one is designed to be able to go anywhere and do anything. If it delivers what we expect, it gives us a clear path forward for replacing more of the fleet." The company said the Renault Trucks D14 and D16 chassis have provided the flexibility needed to work within the Channel Islands' tight vehicle width regulations while still accommodating specialist tanker equipment.
"The key for us is working within very tight width and layout constraints," said Bacon. "The Renault Trucks D14 and D16 chassis give us that flexibility. We can move components around, adjust the design and make it work for our application.
Other manufacturers just can't get within the limits we have to meet." He added: "It's not just about the base vehicle. It's about how adaptable it is and how well it works with the bodybuilder and ADR requirements.
That's where Renault Trucks has really stood out."
Dealer support remains central
Rubis works closely with Sparks Commercial Services as part of its fleet replacement programme. Bacon said dealer support was particularly important given the challenges of operating vehicles across island locations. "Sparks understand exactly what we need," he said.
"Every time we place an order, they already know the layout and the requirements. If we want to try something different, the answer is never no, it's always 'how we can make it work'." The ability to complete servicing, maintenance and warranty work locally also reduces the disruption and cost associated with returning vehicles to the UK mainland.
Rubis said drivers had responded positively to the Renault Trucks fleet, highlighting comfort and visibility improvements. "The drivers prefer them," Bacon said. "They're comfortable, well equipped and easy to drive. Heated seats, good visibility, all the driver aids, it makes a difference when you're in and out of the cab all day."
Rob Coxon, transport solution executive at Sparks Commercial Services, described the latest Renault Trucks D14 project as one of the most specialised vehicles developed for the operation so far.
"This latest D14 is a particularly interesting project, pushing the limits of compact design while still delivering full tanker capability," he said.
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