This article is from the December 2020 Horse Deals magazine.
Photos: OzShotz. Article: Rachel Clayfield.
The truck is a 16 tonne, 2019 DAF housing a 4 litre, 6 cylinder engine that delivers 260BHP with an automatic transition.
Europe and the UK are renowned for manufacturing some of the world’s most luxurious and functional horse floats and trucks. When Duranbah, New South Wales, based eventer Portia Wilson was looking for top of the range, she met her match with the UK designed and manufactured Lehel by Alexanders.
“Since I moved to Australia, I had been using a car and float to get to and from events, as I had to leave my last truck in New Zealand,” explains Portia. “My seven-year-old daughter is really getting into her riding now — she doesn’t want to go to school because she just wants to ride her pony — and I’d been planning on making it to more interstate events, so it was time for an upgrade.”
The four-horse truck has three pop-out areas; one for the lounge and living, one in the roof for an additional groom’s bed and a pop-out bathroom which makes cramped truck bathrooms with the shower over the toilet a thing of the past.
The colour scheme for the interior and exterior was selected by Portia. “For the exterior colour, we chose the brand-new Aston Martin Gunmetal Grey,” Portia continues. “Which I think is hot, but also, no one else will have that colour because it’s brand new. I designed the interior to match with everything quite classic and almost a little bit masculine. I love dark colours.”
The detail that has gone into this rig is unparalleled. Everything that you would normally consider an ‘extra’, is included as standard, and not only that, it’s personalised with the classy Lehel branding. Sheets and pillowcases, towel sets, mugs, glasses and cutlery, down to the wheel centre caps, all are quality, branded pieces that add to the image of the vehicle.
It’s not just good looks though. This truck has safety at the forefront with cameras on all sides, providing a 360° view of the truck’s surroundings whilst travelling. There is also the option of continual CCTV recording for security, complimenting the perimeter guard alarm.
“The truck has everything I could want in it, but the thing I really love is the comfort for the horses,” Portia concludes. “The horses are on airbag suspension so it’s such a smooth ride for them and you don’t have to be so concerned about uneven roads.”
Give Portia a wave if you spot this luxurious rig on the Pacific Highway in early December, when Portia plans to take the trip south for Wallaby Hill International Three Day Event.
The cab of the truck seats three in style and comfort with leather interior. You can see the Lehel branding on the headrest.
The rear view and 360° monitor and separate navigational system.
The horse cameras display screen is up higher. There are multiple cameras in the horse area so that you can view the horses from all angles.
The lounge area in one of the pop-outs. The table is interchangeable. You can put in a smaller round table in if you prefer and the table also lowers to transform into another bed.
The kitchen boasts marble benchtops with circular sink, two electric cooktops, oven, bar fridge and ample cupboard space. You can see the main entry door to the living on the left.
The downlights and skylight in living area.
Above the lounge is a display cabinet which is aptly used as a mini bar.
The large airconditioning unit with mirror below that expands the appearance of space. To the right is the entry to the groom’s bed.
One of the kitchen drawers holds the Lehel branded cutlery and crockery.
The radiator heater in lounge. To the right is the passage which goes past the bathroom, to the horse area.
The bathroom is large thanks to having its very own pop-out. The truck holds 600L of fresh water and 300L of waste water.
The main bed in the luton peak is custom-sized between a double and queen. There is storage space to the left.
The groom’s bed, located in the roof pop-out, is king-sized. Each bed has Lehel branded sheets.
The horse section has four horse bays with rubber sides and soft comfort flooring. Rug racks run across the right side. Ventilation is well considered with standard vents, a whirly bird, fanned ventilation and a sunroof which can also be opened right up.
The rear tailgate with solid loading gates and loading lights. The truck can be raised and lowered to load and unload horses and clear road obstacles during travel.
On the other side of the chest boxes is the tack cupboard which has four saddle racks.
The outdoor sink and stereo system, perfect for a BBQ outside.
The hydraulic tailgate is controlled by a panel on the right of the truck. The exterior has a ceramic coating to protect the paint and aid in cleaning. The coating gives the truck an effortless polished look.
The reversing and front cameras, just two of many that provide the 360° view.
The large compartments under the living
area store plenty.
The side guidance lights which aid in parking.
There is access to hot and cold water outside the truck. Each compartment is labelled for ease of use; water pump, heater, battery.
The diesel and AdBlue inlets. AdBlue is a fluid that reduces harmful emissions.
On the roof of the truck you can see the roof pop-out, skylights and intelligent charging solar panels. The truck is almost self-sufficient off of just the solar.
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