A truck made for adventure!

The Kerax vehicles participate as competitors in the Dakar rally but also as assistance trucks. It must be noted that taking part in the Dakar and engaging the trucks in the race does not happen by waving a magic wand. The team experience, driver know-how, and the mechanical preparation all play a major role, as does providing assistance. Rough, sandy and rocky trails are a fantastic test for our vehicles to excel in. Without the Kerax assistance, many race participants would not reached the finish line.

In addition to the Kerax T4 designated for the brand’s competitors, Renault Trucks offers assistance to all Dakar participants thanks to the T5. This Kerax is virtually identical to its big brother, the T4 (the T5 has no protection under the radiator nor a fixed bucket seat), who patrol roads selected by the Dakar, a journey almost as challenging but at times twice or three times the distance on certain stages. Once they arrive to camp (late in the evening or generally at night), the day is far from over for the T5. it is just getting started, the Kerax T5 car mechanics will spend the night mending the abuse suffered by other competitors in the race.

The Kerax T5 will be available 24/ 7 as will be the their mechanics for assistance. They explain their Dakar 2003 experience: “From the beginning, we essentially made control checks on the entire Kerax fleet participating in the rally. The checks focused mainly on suspensions, shock absorbers, and some greatly needed tuning & repaires . A radiator in Spain, a side window and rear-view mirror in Tunisia, were changed on Alain Buffa’s Kerax, with parts delivered by our Tunisian importer, and replaced the same night at 4 AM, for departure at 5AM, a sleepless night!”

With their trucks filled with tires, rear-view mirrors, clutches, radiators and even front shock absorbers, we can see the Renault Kerax have a special mission, much needed assistance!

TEAM ASSITANCE T5

Gaetan FONSATTI: "This year the T5’s main goal is to provide the necessary spare parts for repairs in all Kerax vehicles in the Dakar. We also provide diagnostic support to the various Kerax clients and are responsible for technical assistance (diagnosis and repair) for the Sherpa, which is the press vehicle."

What is the driver-mechanic mission on board the T5?

David JUILLARD: "Being aboard a T5 is like being aboard the "St. Bernard" of rallies. Without us, no trucks, motorcycles or cars could complete the race problem-free. The Dakar is truly a unique experience. We're not racing, since we participate as assistance only, but the driving, navigation, and landscapes that we discover at every turn, the human relationships that form in the camps with the locals, as well as the special bonds within the team, make the Dakar a great human adventure where each day brings its share of surprises."

Could you describe a typical day aboard the Kerax assistance?

Gaetan FONSATTI: "A typical day involves long hours of driving and navigation! Upon arrival at camp, we set up our Renault Trucks assistance point in order to promote the brand."

David JUILLARD: "For us, the technicians, the biggest challenge is coordinating the rest stops. Driving by day and working by night is not an easy task, one must find a good rhythm and synergy within the team so that everyone can find time to rest.

It is an important requirement if one wants to maintain good team cohesion, because in stressful moments or difficult situations, we must have the capacity to remain "zen", especially with the lack of sleep. Do not forget that we represent the Renault Trucks brand, and our customers must be able to rely on us under all circumstances."