This article is from the May 2020 Horse Deals magazine.
Aptly named, the ‘GG Limo’ provides a stylish and comfortable ride for the Gold Coast based Taunton family and their horses. If you spot this rig around, you’ll certainly know who it is, with a metallic silver paint-job, custom number plates, and bold signage which wraps around its exterior.
“Our two girls, Holly and Chelsea, had picked up showjumping as well as continuing on with showing,” Kristen mentions. “They are only 11 and 14 but growing rapidly and 17hh+ Warmbloods just wouldn’t fit in the gooseneck we had previously. We loved the layout of the gooseneck though, so we got Signature Floats to create us a bigger version of it. My husband Geoff drew up the plans and that’s where it began.”
“I’m highly organised,” Kristen laughs, “so the truck is neatly packed and ready to go. It provides us with such convenience and ample space. One of my favourite features is the 6m slide out, which is the biggest slideout Signature has ever made.”
As soon as shows are back on the road, the Taunton family will be too. Keep your eyes peeled on the road for this most impressive Dream Rig.
Photos: Danni Milligan. Article: Rachel Clayfield.
The 46ft (14m) long trailer carries up to six horses with airbag suspension. Two 3.6m long awnings protect the left side of the truck.
Of the 14m trailer, 6m slides out to increase the living area space. The slide out makes room for the kid’s bunk beds and the seating area.
The Mercedes Benz 1840 was sourced from Daimler Trucks on the Gold Coast. It has plenty of grunt with 400 HP and an AMT auto gear box.
The cab of the truck is licensed to seat six, with a sleeper that comfortably sleeps two. It includes all the features and comforts you would expect from a Mercedes including active cruise control, lane change assist, and climate control.
The master bedroom at the front of the truck has a queen size bed with ample cupboard space as well as large under bed storage. There are air-conditioning units in both the kitchen and master bedroom.
The kitchen has all your needs covered; a full size three-way fridge, Fisher and Paykel drawer dishwasher, microwave, two burner stove top and full sized sink. The marble backsplash provides a classic finish.
Across from the kitchen, the dining area is large enough to seat six in comfort. Downlights throughout keep the truck well-lit. There is a TV opposite, above the entry way.
The three king sized bunk beds with individual windows are across from the bathroom. At the foot of each bunk is an individual storage cupboard.
On the right of the bunks is a full sized closet. The girls won’t be forgetting anything when it’s all packed ready to go!
The bathroom with suction flush toilet and full size shower. The truck holds 900L of freshwater and has an instant hot water system. The greywater tank can hold 200L.
A caravan style door leads from the living area into the horse section. The horse area comfortably carries six horses facing the left, with heavy duty dividers and rubber drops to the floor. Added storage above the right side has gas lift up doors.
The tie up points for each horse above the chest box. The large windows ensure that the horse area receives more than enough airflow during transit and safety bars keep any horse heads from exiting the vehicle.
Each bay is fully adjustable to accommodate a range of sizes. Padding is installed across the whole divider for a comfortable ride. The head dividers can be opened which is a safety feature, allowing horses to be untied before the whole divider is opened.
The full height tailgate is lined with rubber grip panels to minimise slip and the control panel is on the left of the truck.
The wrap artwork was designed by Tova Youlden at Giddy Up Graphics and made and applied by the Taunton family’s company Visual FX-Stick it’n’Wrap It. The art features photos of both Kristen and her children at shows over the years.
The entry to the living area with swing away handle.
When taking only a few horses, an outdoor seating area is packed into the front bays, enabling the Taunton’s to make the most of the socialisation shows provide.
The tackbox at the rear has enough space for six saddles plus bridle racks, and there is also a hot and cold hose for washing horses. An additional compartment to the left is used for helmets, and the remaining show gear. The toolboxes keep show bridles clean and the vinyl bag on the right holds saddleblankets.
The pull out barbeque set-up also has benchspace and a small sink, perfect for outdoor entertaining at shows. In some of the other storage boxes are an in-built 3KVA generator, LG washing machine and small fridge.
This slide out storage area has four sections for organising feed. The area at the front of each section opens up so excess feed can be easily emptied once you have returned home.
Kristen’s organisation skills at work. These containers hold the little bits and bobs that are required for show set-up; hoses, hose fittings, extension cables, and mats.
Custom number plates are a theme in the Taunton household and the truck was not going to be any exception!
Custom number plates are a theme in the Taunton household and the truck was not going to be any exception!
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