TRC: When Renault Trucks Switches to Tuning Mode in Occitanie

At TruckStop, we love beautiful trucks, but contrary to some stereotypes in the industry, truck customization doesn’t stop only at fully-optioned Scania trucks done the Dutch way. Our photographer Alexis recently pointed his lens at some Renault Trucks that clearly stand out from the crowd.

Heading to Occitanie to discover TRC, a small company launched by Julien Cagnon, a passionate enthusiast who chose a different path: building a true identity around the French diamond brand with clean, understated combinations… that absolutely do not go unnoticed. Because yes, today, apart from the C11 center specialized in “factory-style” preparations, customizing a Renault Trucks vehicle in the tuning world remains almost an act in itself.

At 45 years old, Julien Cagnon does not come from a trucking family. It was thanks to his brother-in-law that he discovered the transport industry before undertaking training in Andrésy, in the Yvelines region, where he obtained a vocational diploma in driving and services, followed by a transport logistics diploma. On June 5, 1998, at just 18 years old, he officially hit the road with SATIF under the guidance of Mr. Morand, a boss he still describes today as “extraordinary.” National transport, international transport, hands-on experience… the foundations of the profession were built quickly.

“That’s where I became passionate about the profession.”But the real turning point regarding truck tuning came a few years later at Transports Gadeau et Fils.

“It was a real family of enthusiasts. That’s where truck tuning truly got under my skin.”

In 2022, Julien finally decided to launch TRC. An adventure built with limited resources but enormous determination and, above all, a genuine vision of trucking. Today, the company operates two tractor units based in Perpignan. The first performs haulage work for Socafna in the fruit and vegetable sector, while the second works for Transports Salva with curtain-side trailers, flatbeds and containers.

But behind this human-sized company, Julien’s main objective is to develop a strong and instantly recognizable identity.“I wanted to create a real TRC identity.”

And honestly… mission accomplished.

Before creating his company, Julien mainly drove Scania trucks like many enthusiasts in the industry. But when starting his own business, economic reality sometimes imposes different choices.

“When you start without a large budget, many doors close.”

In the end, Renault Trucks Perpignan believed in his project and decided to support him. Julien purchased a first Renault T High demonstrator truck that had been used at the time to showcase the new Renault Trucks cab. But it was impossible for him to leave the truck completely stock.

“With many personal sacrifices, I started equipping it… and the result immediately clicked.”

Very quickly, attention started turning toward this Renault that looked different from the others.

In the truck tuning world, Renault trucks remain relatively rare compared to the armies of Scania, Volvo or DAF trucks, especially with the new XG and XG+ generation. And that is precisely what Julien likes.

“Tuning at Renault is much less developed. Finding parts is more complicated. But that’s exactly why I like doing things differently.”His goal is simple: to offer combinations that are clean, elegant and coherent without falling into excess.

“A truck is like a tattoo. It has to be personal.” A philosophy that is immediately visible on the TRC vehicles.

On his first Renault, Julien personally carried out a large part of the modifications, including several homemade components. But with the recent arrival of a new Renault T High 520 6x2 Boogie, the project has reached another level.

The objective remains the same: maintain a clean and elegant line while increasing the overall quality. But behind this preparation lies a much more personal story.

“In the meantime, an incredible event happened in my life: I became a grandfather.” A moment he chose to immortalize directly on the rear of his truck with an illustration of his granddaughter.

“For me, it is a real source of pride.”

For Julien, a truck is not only a work tool. “A truck must reflect both the driver and the company.” A vision he fully embraces.

“You shouldn’t do what everyone else does. You should do what you want.” And the reactions surrounding the TRC vehicles seem to prove him right.

“The feedback is incredible. Customers are happy to see their trailers pulled by combinations that are clean, different and recognizable.” Beyond simple tuning, Julien also believes these vehicles help promote the profession to the general public.

“When people see beautiful trucks on the road, they inevitably pay attention.”

Even though this new Renault has only just arrived, Julien already announces that many developments are planned over the coming months.

“A lot of things are coming… and I think even I’m not ready for the final result.” TRC will also be present at several Truck Shows this season.

“These events are extraordinary. You meet enthusiasts, companies and, above all, children whose eyes light up when they see the trucks.” Before concluding, Julien also wants to remind everyone that no project of this type is built alone.

“My driver Olivier has become a key part of the company. And we must also thank our loved ones, because all of this requires a tremendous amount of time and sacrifice.”

One thing is certain: with his vision of trucking, his openly stated attachment to Renault Trucks, and combinations that are already attracting attention everywhere, TRC proves that truck tuning in France can also step off the beaten path, and that it is not necessarily required to spend a fortune to build a beautiful truck.

At TruckStop, we are committed to showcasing all types of truck preparations, from the simplest to the most elaborate. But one thing remains the same: the work and commitment invested in each of these projects prove that the passion for our profession is still very much alive.

Text and Photos: AP Trade Vision