Using a caravan on Shabbos
Question
Hi Rabbi, I am planning a road trip and camping in a caravan. Would it be permissible for me to enter the caravan on Shabbat, or would it be muktseh since it is considered a vehicle?
Answer
Thank you for your question.
The answer is : It is not Muktesh.
The answer explained in depth :
Generally, we know that objects which can be used only for melachos that are forbidden on Shabbos are not even allowed to be moved on Shabbos, since they are muktseh. However, there are objects that have a dual purpose, meaning they can be used for both permissible and non-permissible activities. For example, your caravan, which can be used as a car (which is forbidden to use on Shabbat) and also as a place for accommodation. In this case, we find that if one defines the usage of the object before Shabbos, even just by planning to use it for its permissible use on Shabbos, then it will not become muktseh on Shabbos.
We find in two places in the Shulchan Aruch that if someone prepares an item before Shabbos in order to use it on Shabbos, for a usage that is considered Halachicly permissible, then the object will not become muktseh on Shabbos.
I would like to share with you the two sources brought in the Shulchan Aruch with regard to this halacha.
Source #1
שולחן ערוך אורח חיים הלכות שבת סימן שח סעיף כ
חריות (פי' ענפים) של דקל שקצצם לשריפה, מוקצים הם ואסור לטלטלם; ישב עליהם מעט מבע"י, מותר לישב עליהם בשבת. וכ"ש אם קשרן לישב עליהם, או אם חשב עליהם מבע"י לישב עליהם, אפילו בחול.
The Shulchan Aruch writes that tree branches are generally
muktseh since they are intended to be used for firewood, so it would be
forbidden to move them. However, if someone wants to change the purpose of
these woods and intends to use them to sit on, then there are two ways one can
do it. One way is by actually sitting on the woods; this is called doing an
action that shows his intention. Even better would be if a person ties the
woods together.
Alternatively, one can change the purpose of the wood by thinking that the
purpose of the wood is for sitting.
The Mishnah Berurah adds that one has to think not just about sitting on the woods, but with the intention to sit on them during Shabbos. Then, this will also help to redefine the woods from firewood, which is muktseh, to wood intended for sitting, which is permitted on Shabbos.
Source #2
שולחן ערוך אורח חיים הלכות שבת סימן שח
נסרים של בעה"ב, מותר לטלטלן; ושל אומן, אסור אא"כ חשב עליהם מבע"י ליתן עליהם פת לאורחים או תשמיש
אחר.
If a person has wooden boards, they are not muktseh if intended for personal use. However, if they belong to someone who intends to sell them, they are muktseh. The Mishneh Berurah explains that since he plans to sell them, he is careful to set them aside so they do not get damaged. However, if he redefines the purpose of their use to take them for his own personal use, then they will not become muktseh on Shabbos.
So, we see from the two halachos that when one plans to use an object on Shabbos for permissible uses, then it won't become muktseh. Similarly, with your caravan, although a car is generally muktseh as you mentioned, since you plan on using it as a place to stay, it is permissible to enter and to eat, and sleep there.
It is important to note that you do need to check that the doors are not connected to any electricity and also to check the electric water pump of the caravan doesn’t get turned on every time you open the tap.
So, we discussed the muktseh aspect of being in a caravan during Shabbos. However, there are other considerations that need to be addressed before Shabbos to ensure that one does not, Chas ve’shalom, inadvertently transgress any melachot on Shabbos.
For example, the doors of the caravan; one needs to check that the doors are not connected to any electricity same too the fridge light also has to be switched off.
If there is an electric water pump then one has to make sure to turn it off before Shabbos, so doesn’t get turned on every time you open the tap.
If you have any further queries, we will be happy to assist.
Wishing you a safe and pleasant vacation.
Source
Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim: Siman 308.20