Built on the reliable Fiat Ducato 2.8 TDI chassis with 127bhp, this motorhome combines road presence with practical living arrangements. At 8.55 metres long, it’s certainly not a compact vehicle, but that length translates into spacious living quarters that you’ll appreciate during longer stays. The SE pack adds valuable extras that enhance both comfort and practicality.
You’ll find this motorhome particularly suited to couples who want space and comfort without daily bed conversions, though it can accommodate four people when needed. Let’s explore what makes this substantial tourer worth considering for your next motorhome purchase.
Cheyenne 840S SE Twin-Axle 8.55m Dimensions
You’re looking at a substantial vehicle here – the Cheyenne 840S measures 8.55 metres in length, 2.31 metres in width, and stands 3.05 metres tall. This six-wheeler configuration provides excellent stability on the road, but does mean you’ll need to consider access to pitches and storage options carefully.
The 4.5-tonne gross vehicle weight gives you a generous 885kg payload, which is particularly valuable for extended touring. You’ll appreciate this capacity when packing for longer trips, especially if you’re taking sports equipment or additional camping gear.
Water capacity is well-considered with an 81-litre fresh water tank and a 60-litre waste tank. For most couples, this provides several days of comfortable use between fill-ups and emptying, though you’ll want to manage your water usage carefully during off-grid stays.
Fiat Ducato 2.8 TDI 127bhp Performance
When you take the wheel of the Cheyenne 840S, you’ll be piloting a substantial vehicle powered by Fiat’s proven 2.8 TDI engine producing 127bhp. This powerplant offers reasonable performance for a motorhome of this size, though you’ll notice the vehicle’s weight on steeper inclines.
The five-speed manual gearbox provides good control, while the inclusion of cruise control makes longer motorway stretches considerably more relaxing. You’ll appreciate the electric mirrors and windows when manoeuvring, and the reversing camera proves invaluable when backing this 8.55-metre vehicle into pitches.
It’s worth noting that the Fiat Ducato base vehicle of this era can develop steering rack issues over time, so pay particular attention to the steering feel during your test drive. When properly maintained, however, these vehicles can provide many years of reliable service.
Spacious Four-Berth Living Areas
You’ll immediately notice the spacious feel when stepping inside the Cheyenne 840S. The front lounge features an L-shaped seating arrangement with an opposing bench seat, creating a comfortable social area that can accommodate four adults with ease.
Storage is abundant throughout, with overhead lockers and under-seat compartments providing plenty of space for your belongings. The large windows flood the space with natural light, creating a bright, airy atmosphere that makes the interior feel even more spacious.
The central walkway provides good circulation through the vehicle, while the overall layout creates distinct zones for different activities, a design approach that works particularly well during extended stays when different occupants may want to engage in different activities simultaneously.
Permanent Twin Beds Plus Convertible Lounge
The sleeping arrangements in the Cheyenne 840S are particularly well-considered. The rear twin single beds provide permanent sleeping spaces that don’t require daily conversion, a genuine luxury during extended tours. These comfortable beds offer good access and individual reading lights.
When additional sleeping capacity is needed, the front lounge converts into a double bed, providing accommodation for guests or family members. This flexibility makes the motorhome suitable for occasional family use while remaining perfectly proportioned for couples during most trips.
The permanent bed arrangement means you can leave bedding in place during the day, eliminating the daily chore of making up beds that can become tiresome during longer tours. This is one of the key advantages of this layout compared to motorhomes that rely entirely on convertible seating for sleeping spaces.
Central Kitchen with Four-Burner Hob
The central kitchen area is well-equipped for preparing proper meals. You’ll find a four-burner hob, oven and grill that provide genuine cooking capability beyond the basics. The sink with drainer offers practical washing-up facilities, enhanced by the water purification tap for improved drinking water quality.
The 90-litre fridge provides good capacity for fresh food storage, though families might find it somewhat limiting during longer stays without shopping opportunities. There’s also cabinet space allocated for a microwave, adding to the cooking options when on hook-up.
Storage in the kitchen area includes overhead lockers and under-counter spaces for pots, pans and provisions. The overall arrangement provides a practical cooking space that doesn’t feel cramped, even when two people are preparing meals together.
Full-Width Bathroom with Separate Shower
You’ll find the full-width rear bathroom a particular highlight of this motorhome. The separate shower cubicle provides a proper showering experience rather than the compromised wet-room arrangement found in many smaller motorhomes.
The toilet and sink area is spacious and well-appointed, with good storage for toiletries and bathroom essentials. The inclusion of a proper mirror and additional storage cabinets enhances the usability of this space for longer stays.
This bathroom layout represents a significant advantage for extended touring, providing home-like facilities that make longer trips more comfortable. The separation between shower and toilet areas means the entire bathroom doesn’t become wet when showering, a practical consideration that experienced motorhomers particularly appreciate.
Solar Power and Gas Flow Systems
The Cheyenne 840S comes well-equipped with power systems suitable for varied camping situations. The inclusion of a solar panel enhances self-sufficiency when camping off-grid, helping to maintain battery charge during daylight hours.
Gas provision consists of two 13kg bottles, providing good capacity for extended trips. The gas flow system allows for safer and more convenient gas bottle changeovers without interrupting the supply, a thoughtful addition that enhances convenience.
The electrical system includes LED lighting throughout, reducing power consumption compared to older halogen systems. This efficiency is particularly valuable during off-grid camping when battery capacity becomes a limiting factor.
Abundant Storage with 885kg Payload
Storage provision is a particular strength of this motorhome. Inside, you’ll find abundant overhead lockers throughout the living space, under-seat storage compartments, and dedicated wardrobes for clothing.
External storage includes the roof rack and ladder, providing options for carrying larger items that wouldn’t fit inside. The inclusion of a tow bar offers further flexibility for those who might want to bring a small car or trailer for local exploration once pitched.
The overall storage capacity, combined with the substantial payload allowance, means you won’t need to make difficult decisions about what to bring on your travels. This generous provision is particularly valuable for active couples who enjoy outdoor pursuits requiring bulky equipment.
Best for Extended Touring Couples
You’ll find the Cheyenne 840S particularly well-suited to extended touring for couples who value space and comfort. The permanent twin beds and spacious bathroom make longer stays genuinely comfortable, while the generous storage capacity supports self-sufficient camping.
For occasional family use, the additional sleeping capacity in the lounge area provides flexibility, though the motorhome is perhaps best considered as a luxurious two-berth with occasional four-berth capability rather than a primary family vehicle.
The substantial size means this isn’t the most practical choice for frequent moves between destinations or for accessing more remote locations. It’s best suited to longer stays at each location, where its spacious interior and comprehensive facilities can be fully appreciated.
Large Motorhome Alternatives from 2006
If you’re considering the Autotrail Cheyenne 840S, you might also want to look at these alternatives:
- Swift Kontiki models from the same era, which offer similar layouts but with slightly different approaches to interior design and space utilisation
- Bailey Approach series, which provide comparable facilities often with different bathroom arrangements
- German-built alternatives like Hymer, which typically offer superior build quality but at higher price points
- French-built Chausson models, which often feature innovative layout solutions and distinctive interior styling
Why This Substantial Autotrail Still Appeals
The 2006 Autotrail Cheyenne 840S SE represents a thoughtful approach to motorhome design that continues to offer practical advantages for today’s buyers. You’ll appreciate its spacious interior, permanent sleeping arrangements, and comprehensive equipment specification during extended tours.
This motorhome is best suited to couples who prioritise living space and comfort over compact dimensions, and who plan to spend several days at each destination rather than moving frequently. The twin bed layout and generous bathroom facilities make it particularly appropriate for mature couples seeking comfortable touring without daily bed conversions.
When considering any motorhome of this age, individual condition becomes more important than model specification. Look for examples with comprehensive service history, evidence of careful ownership, and recent habitation checks. With proper care and maintenance, the Cheyenne 840S can provide many more years of comfortable touring that justifies the investment.
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