If you’re after a motorhome that doesn’t force you to choose between proper sleeping arrangements and touring practicality, the 2017 Chausson Flash 737 might just tick your boxes. This French-built four-berth sits at that sweet spot where you get twin single beds in the rear (no nightly bed-making gymnastics) plus a drop-down double over the lounge for when the grandchildren visit.
At 7.37 metres, it’s not exactly compact, but it’s built on Ford’s reliable Transit chassis with a 150-horsepower 2.2-litre diesel that should pull its 3,500kg maximum weight without too much drama. You’ll find Chausson has packed in some thoughtful touches here, from dual reversing cameras (handy given the length) to an Alde heating system that’ll keep you cosy during those shoulder-season breaks in the Lake District.
The Flash 737 seems aimed squarely at couples who want the flexibility of occasional four-berth use without sacrificing everyday comfort. Whether that balance works for you depends largely on how you plan to use it.
Size and Practicality of the Flash 737
Living with a 7.37-metre motorhome means accepting certain realities about where you can and can’t go. You’ll be fine on most A-roads and motorways, but those narrow Cornish lanes or Highland single tracks might have you reaching for the reversing camera controls more often than you’d like. The Ford Transit chassis underneath should feel familiar if you’ve driven larger vans, though the extra length behind you takes some getting used to.
The 3,500kg maximum weight keeps you within standard driving licence territory, which is crucial for many buyers. With a payload capacity around 712kg (based on similar models), you’ll need to think carefully about what you pack – that’s roughly equivalent to two people, their clothes, food, and water, with not much left over for the kitchen sink approach to packing.
Parking becomes more strategic with the Flash 737’s dimensions. Supermarket car parks are generally manageable, but you’ll appreciate those dual reversing cameras when manoeuvring into tighter spots. The bike rack fitted to this model suggests Chausson expects owners to use alternative transport for exploring once they’ve reached their destination.
Driving the Chausson Flash 737
Behind the wheel, you’ll find the Ford Transit’s 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel provides 150 horsepower, adequate rather than exciting, but perfectly suited to motorhome touring. The six-speed manual gearbox gives you control over engine braking on descents, though some might prefer an automatic for stop-start traffic around popular tourist spots.
Cruise control comes as standard, which you’ll appreciate on those long hauls to Scotland or down to the South Coast. The electric mirrors and windows add a touch of convenience that becomes more noticeable when you’re constantly adjusting for different driving conditions and car park manoeuvres.
The Transit chassis has a solid reputation for reliability, though at 2017 vintage, you’d want to check the service history carefully. Ford’s dealer network means parts and servicing shouldn’t be problematic, unlike some more exotic European chassis options.
Flash 737 Interior Layout
Step inside the Flash 737 and you’ll find Chausson has made sensible use of the available space. The lounge area features swivelling captain’s chairs that integrate with the seating area, creating a proper social space when you’re pitched up. Above, there’s an electrically operated drop-down double bed, no manual winding here, which your back will thank you for.
The panoramic sunroof adds a sense of space and light, though you might find it gets a bit warm on sunny days without the air conditioning running. LED lighting throughout means you won’t be draining the battery quite as quickly during those long winter evenings.
Storage seems well thought out, with soft-close drawers that won’t rattle you awake on uneven pitches. The XPS foam insulation (55mm thickness) should help with both thermal efficiency and noise reduction, important when you’re parked next to a busy road or dealing with early-morning campsite activity.
Sleeping Arrangements in the Flash 737
The rear bedroom is where the Flash 737 really shows its practical side. Two single beds measuring 1.85m x 0.80m each give you proper sleeping space without the nightly ritual of converting dining areas. There’s storage above the beds, useful for clothes and personal items you don’t need during the day.
For occasional guests or grandchildren, the drop-down bed over the lounge provides a 1.6m-wide double. The electric operation means deployment is straightforward, though you’ll need to clear the lounge area first. It’s a genuine four-berth setup, not the cramped afterthought you sometimes find in smaller motorhomes.
The twin bed arrangement works particularly well for couples who prefer their own space or have different sleep patterns. No more negotiating who gets which side or dealing with a partner who tosses and turns all night.
Kitchen Space in the Flash 737
The kitchen runs along one side and includes a three-burner gas hob with glass cover, practical for extra workspace when not cooking. The combination oven/grill handles most cooking tasks, though you might miss a separate grill for quick breakfast prep. The 175-litre AES refrigerator automatically switches between gas, 12V, and 240V power sources, so your milk stays cold regardless of your power situation.
Counter space appears adequate for meal preparation, though you’ll need to be organised when cooking for four people. The glass hob cover provides extra workspace when the burners aren’t in use, a thoughtful touch that makes a real difference in practice.
Storage for crockery and provisions looks reasonable, with the usual mix of cupboards and drawers. You’ll probably find yourself using the external locker for bulky items and non-essentials to keep the interior uncluttered.
Chausson Flash 737 Bathroom
The full-width bathroom is a significant advantage over many motorhomes in this size range. You get a separate shower cubicle rather than the wet room arrangement that soaks everything when you wash. The cassette toilet is standard fare, reliable and easy to empty, though not exactly luxurious.
Having a proper shower cubicle means you can actually shower without flooding the entire bathroom, a blessing if you’re touring for extended periods. The full-width layout also provides decent space for getting dressed and storing toiletries.
Ventilation appears adequate with windows and fans, important for preventing condensation issues that plague many motorhome bathrooms. The separate shower arrangement should help with this too.
Power and Water Systems
The 6,000W Alde compact boiler provides both heating and hot water, running on gas or electricity depending on your hookup situation. Alde systems have a good reputation for efficiency and reliability, though they can be expensive to repair if things go wrong.
Solar panels are fitted, which should help maintain battery charge during sunny weather, useful for wild camping or sites without electric hookup. The AES refrigerator works with this setup, automatically managing power sources to keep things cold while preserving battery life.
Water capacity isn’t specified, but you’ll likely find the usual 100-litre fresh water tank and similar waste capacity. USB slots throughout mean you can keep devices charged without hunting for adapters.
Other Motorhomes Worth Considering
If the Flash 737’s length concerns you, the Chausson Flash 510 Compact 4-Berth Under 6m Review offers a more compact alternative while maintaining Chausson’s build quality.
For those wanting more space, the Chausson Flash 624 Fixed Bed Storage Solutions Review provides a different layout approach with potentially better storage solutions.
The Chausson Flash C656 Seven-Berth Under 7m Review represents another layout variation worth considering if the 737’s arrangement doesn’t quite suit your needs.
Final Thoughts
The 2017 Chausson Flash 737 appears to be a well-thought-out motorhome for couples who occasionally need four-berth capacity. The twin rear beds eliminate the daily conversion routine, while the full-width bathroom and separate shower cubicle provide genuine comfort for extended touring.
At 7.37 metres, it’s not for everyone; you’ll need confidence with larger vehicles and acceptance that some destinations will be off-limits. However, if you can live with the size, you get a motorhome that doesn’t force compromises on sleeping arrangements or bathroom space.
The Ford Transit base and established Chausson build quality suggest this should be a reliable touring companion, though as with any 2017 motorhome, a thorough inspection and service history check would be wise. For couples who want proper beds and occasional guest capacity without stepping up to A-class dimensions, the Flash 737 makes a compelling case.
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