Our Touring Past

Designed and built by Mr Cliff Mintern.
Alexandra Victoria.

Click on the following link to find the original patent submitted by Clifford James Mintern on the 26th August 1965, Entitled: IMPROVED COLLAPSIBLE ANNEX OR SHELTER.
Original Patent

Click on the following link for the Petersville TAG-A-LONG Expanda-Van and Camper Trailer

Production started in 1964 with Clifford Mintern constructing the vans out of plywood. At some stage Clifford sold the business to Helmsman Industries, also of Alexandra, who were boat builders, and they produced a very nice fully fibreglass version. Helmsman finally ceased production as the high cost of production made it difficult to make a proffit.The patent was then purchased by Camperland which was at that stage a division of the "Petersville" company. Production change to the aluminium clad version to try and cut down on production costs.

1968 article on the Camperman Expandavan.

I found this camper caravan on ebay a while back and it is interesting to note on the ID plate that it is a Petersville Tag-a-long Camper. Where the expander caravans have an ID plate that reads Petersville Tag-a-long Expand-a-van.

This very nice fibreglass Petersville Expand-a-van was recently on ebay.

A 1970 Ad for a MINI Expandavan from Camperland. Victoria.
It is a single fold out, 2 birth model.
Camperland
South Gippsland Hwy. Dandenong Victoria.
were the third company to take on the Expanda van.

A 1970 article on the Mini Expanda Van.

I found this 1969 ad for the Mintern Expanda Van, and it is interesting that it was listed under new small caravans for that year.

Part of a 1969 vintage caravan brochure for Camperland and the Expandavan for that year.

This Expandavan was recently advertised for sale on the internet, it pricked my interest as it has a side expanding section ( as most of these vans do ) but this one has a rear expanding section that comprises of two bunk beds. I have not seen this before in an Expandavan, and the seller described it as custom made, which may be the explanation the rear bunk section.

The 1964 Patent submitted by Clifford James Mintern for the expanding bed sections.