Iveco drives horsey family

Where do you go when you want swish mobile accommodation for not only your family, but five valuable horses?

In the case of equine enthusiasts Ben and Lee Traynor, they turned to Hunter Valley, NSW-based Signature Custom Floats, which constructed a fancy, high-end horse transporter off the back of an Iveco Stralis ATi truck platform.

The Moree, NSW-based farmers have two daughters that regularly participate in horse riding events, and were looking for something a bit more comfortable to replace their old truck transporter.

“We wanted to go for a larger truck this time around that would give us the GVM we needed to comfortably carry the horses and equipment while also giving us plenty of living space,” Ben Traynor said.

The 4x2 Iveco Stralis ATi is powered by a 360hp/1500Nm Cursor 8 engine, mated to a 12-speed automated manual transmission, and for better weight distribution, the truck was also specified with a bogie axle.

As well as space for up to five horses and associated riding equipment, the truck features a fully equipped kitchen with Caesar stone benchtops, convection oven, microwave, electric stove top and large fridge as well as a slide out dining area.

The living space is serviced by a split system air conditioner and if away from mains power, electricity comes via a remote push-start generator housed under the floor.

Sleeping accommodation includes a double bed above the cabin and bunk beds for the girls, while the Eurocargo’s sleeper cabin can accommodate a fifth person if required. The interior also includes shower and toilet facilities.

On the outside, the lower section of the body has chequer plate protection, while slide-out storage conceals a washing machine, gas barbecue and another fridge.

Other additions include a polished allow bullbar and two cameras, including one that keeps an eye on the horse section, while another rear roof-mounted unit helps when reversing the 11.8 metre vehicle.

“It’s a great overall package that drives really well and is extremely quiet and comfortable,” he said about the new transporter, which gets used most week-ends.

“Lee also drives it and she reckons it’s more comfortable than her four wheel drive and just as easy to drive.

“It’s a great vehicle that is providing us with a lot of quality family time.”