Posted on: 15-10-2020 Written by: Editorial team Reading time: 6 minutes
Forster T659 EB Livin’ Up: compact entry-level model

Forster T659 EB Livin’ Up: compact entry-level model

Forster campers is a relatively young brand, but one with a lot of camper expertise behind it. The campers are built in Italy and the brand recently acquired an importer in the Netherlands: Haffkamp campers in Berkel en Rodenrijs. For example, the Forster T659 EB.

Many camper brands have a second brand as an entry-level model: for example, with Hymer it's Carado, Knaus has Weinsberg, and Adria welcomes newcomers to the camper industry with Sun Living. The German quality brand Eura Mobil also has a second brand of campers, Forster.

We are looking at the Forster T659 EB: a camper with the popular single beds and, thanks to the Livin' Up package, packed with accessories that are now included in the price – which already offers a price advantage of almost 18 thousand euros.

We are looking at the Forster T659 EB
We are looking at the Forster T659 EB

Exterior

The Forster is built on Fiat's wide-track light chassis. The 140 hp Fiat engine provides the motorization – an excellent choice for this vehicle. Typical for Forster are the green transfers on the exterior, XPS insulation for the walls, and wood-free construction – the brand offers a 5-year warranty against water ingress. Built-in windows are mounted in the polyester walls.

The roof is also made of polyester: good protection against hail. Striking is the large panoramic roof hatch directly above the cabin. This provides a lot of light in the camper and because the roof hatch can be opened, you quickly lose heat if you have spent a day at the beach. In the back of the Forster T659 EB, we see the large door to the garage (height 119 cm) – a perfect place for bicycles and camping furniture.

In the back of the Forster T659 EB we see the large door to the garage
In the back of the Forster T659 EB, we see the large door to the garage.

Lots of daylight

Immediately upon entering, we see the effect of the large panoramic window above the cabin: it lets in a lot of daylight into the Forster T659 EB, making it feel much more spacious. What also plays a role is that the furniture is equipped with a light wood decor, combined with white high-gloss overhead locker doors. Together with the dark accents and chrome-colored handles, this creates a fresh, modern interior.

Layout

In the living area, we see an L-shaped sofa upholstered in two-tone artificial leather, equipped with Isofix attachments for child seats. Together with the swivelled cabin seats, a cozy seating area for four people is created. In the ceiling, with a playful dark color block with spotlights on both sides, a third sleeping place is hidden, and the dinette can be converted into a fourth sleeping place with a length of no less than 208 cm.

Together with the swivelled cabin seats, a cozy seating area for four people is created.
Together with the swivelled cabin seats, a cozy seating area for four people is created.

The compact kitchen has a three-burner gas hob in the worktop, which also integrates the sink. To the left of the worktop, a fold-out shelf provides extra storage space, and on the other side of the kitchen unit is the tall refrigerator with freezer compartment. The kitchen unit offers ample space for cooking utensils and groceries.

The bathroom is situated opposite the kitchen. Here we see a swivel toilet, a washbasin, and a shower. In the bedroom, we find the two single beds that can be connected with an extra cushion set to create a large double bed. Under both foot ends, there is space for clothing, and above the head end, three overhead lockers are mounted to the ceiling.

In the bedroom, we find the two single beds that can be connected with an extra cushion set.
In the bedroom, we find the two single beds that can be connected with an extra cushion set.

Installations

The Forster has indirect LED lighting all around, which gives the camper a pleasant atmosphere in the evening. There are reading lights in the right places. The Truma Combi 4 provides heating and hot water, the kitchen has a Thetford refrigerator (142 liters), and all built-in windows have combi blinds with blackout and mosquito nets. The drop-down bed is electrically operated, and the entrance door has a screen door. The camper is very fully equipped and also has, for example, an awning, battery pack (180Ah), solar panel, and smoke detector.

The kitchen unit offers ample space for cooking utensils and groceries.
The kitchen unit offers ample space for cooking utensils and groceries.

Conclusion Forster T659 EB

The Forster T659EB is a sympathetically priced camper, and thanks to the Livin' Up package, the camper is loaded with options that would have to be paid for separately with other brands. For a camper with single beds, the length of 6.59 meters is very compact, resulting in an easily maneuverable camper that you will enjoy on beautiful small roads.

Pros & Cons

+ price
+ very complete camper
+ modern construction method

The bathroom is situated opposite the kitchen.
The bathroom is situated opposite the kitchen.

Technical data

CHASSIS/ENGINE
Chassis: Fiat Ducato wide track light chassis
Engine: 2.3 liter 4-cylinder 140hp Multijet-2 Euro 6d-temp
Maximum power kW/hp: 103kW/150hp at 3,500 rpm
Maximum torque: 350Nm at 1,400 rpm

DIMENSIONS
Length: 659 cm
Width: 235 cm
Height: 295 cm
Wheelbase: 345 cm

WEIGHTS
Maximum mass: 3,500 kg
Ready-to-drive weight: 2,890 kg
Payload: 610 kg

SEATING* & SLEEPING
Number of seats/berths: 4/3+1
Rear beds: 191x80cm, 186x80cm
Drop-down bed: 190×81 cm
Dinette: 208×110/78 cm
(*seats with safety belts)

Price from € 59,800
More information: haffkamp.eu

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