The Forster Livin’ Up: could van life be this simple?

Looking for a stress-free camping experience, and a slice of the easy life? The Forster Livin’ Up campervan is here to make the journey simple.

Camping month is well underway, and that can only mean one thing: the next chapter from our campervan pilgrimage. Continuing the journey which has already included Ford’s bite-sized Nugget, VW’s (maybe) forgotten giant, and the ultimate watersports van, we get up close with a camper that’s all about the easy life. 

Meet the Forster Livin’ Up — specifically the FV 599 VBL model. Sat next to its sibling, the ‘Vantasy’ model at CMT Stuttgart, you could be fooled that having fun is the name of the game for this German brand, but that’s not the case. Of course, any camper can provide the base for enjoying activities out on the road, but the Livin’ up’s primary focus is practicality, offering simple, accessible design throughout. 

A familiar face

To us, nothing says practical like a camper built on the award-winning Fiat Ducato campervan base. Using this has let Forster turn the nearly 6-meter-long blank canvas into an ergonomic experience from the ground up, with featuring an internal standing height which can accommodate anyone up to 6’2 (1.89 meters).

This trusty foundation also provides an opportunity to use Continental’s Van Contact Camper tyres — a chance which Forster appear to have seized, judging by the fresh set on which the Livin’ Up was proudly displayed. 

Now why is this important? Well, as we learned from during our recent Q&A with Continental’s tyre guru Steve Howat, nothing says ‘practical’ like having the right tyres.

As a specially designed CP (Camping Pneus) tyre, the Van Contact rubber brings the stability and strength to safely handle the additional load of the Livin’ Up’s camping gear, allowing for stress-free journeys. The robust construction also features a tread pattern comprising a central ribbon structure, lengthened sipes, and water-distributing grooves. This combination provides excellent grip and braking capabilities on dry, wet, muddy, and even snowy roads — keeping your adventures on track all year round.

Keeping things simple

But, as with everything in life, it’s what’s inside that counts. Stepping into the Livin’ Up (after patiently queuing behind the crowds), the convenience of the layout is immediately apparent. Every element feels intentionally placed, and after a long day of livin’ it up, being greeted by a Dometic fridge — hopefully stocked with ice-cold drinks — just makes sense to us.

Stepping beyond this and into the modern, minimalist, yet somehow nostalgically toned living area, we found ourselves flanked by an array of simple, accessible features.

On one side, there’s a dining area consisting of a sturdy bench, dual rotating front seats, and a solid extending table. Every item gives the impression of being both easy to clean, and cleansing in its simplicity, while a balance is struck between spaciousness and feeling like everything is within arm’s reach — something which is easier said than done.

Spin 180°, and this feeling is replicated throughout the kitchen, complete with hob, ample-sized sink, raised worktop, and plentiful storage compartments. 

Another half-step, and now the bathroom is within reach. Putting a 90-litre freshwater tank, and a 75-litre wastewater tank to good use, Forster has created a fully equipped wetroom setup in here. We will admit that it’s not too spacious, but with a shower, toilet, and sink all strategically positioned, the easy-to-use approach again leads the way.  

And finally, right at the camper’s rear, is the impressively packaged bunk bed layout. Once again, everything is secure and simple, with two double mattresses allowing up to four people to catch some quality Zs. Whether you reach up or down from these sleeping positions, you’ll inevitably find a storage nook and cranny, and there are lights all around to save any late-night fumbles when digging out camping gear.