Author Topic: Using an RV from a Jewish perspective  (Read 4095 times)

Offline TravelMoshe

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Using an RV from a Jewish perspective
« on: July 29, 2024, 10:35:19 PM »
I am renting an RV with my family for the first time and am wondering if members can share in this thread tips, experiences, knowledge about use of an RV. Specifically, I'd like to know about things like dealing with Shabbos, kashrus etc.

Offline imayid2

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Re: Using an RV from a Jewish perspective
« Reply #1 on: July 29, 2024, 11:34:12 PM »
looks like there was in fact a thread  :)
There are many potential issues.

- For starters you'll have to be hooked up to power - the batteries won't last all Shabbos and you can't/wouldn't want to run the generator instead. You'll probably also need 220v for the AC, so make sure the campground could supply that (many do).

- The water hookup may leak, which could be an issue of watering on shabbos; AYLOR.

- You can't put the cabin lights on a timer, so that may be an issue since some beds are in the main living area.

- Going in and out of the RV could be an issue of maaras ayin (even if no Jews are around), so you may have to cover up your wheels to indicate that you're staying put (obviously AYLOR).

-Make sure to empty the black water tank and treat the toilet before Shabbos; that's not something you want to get stuck with.

- Carrying anything outside is obviously an issue to discuss.

That'll all I could think of for now; I'm sure there are more  :P

Offline imayid2

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Re: Using an RV from a Jewish perspective
« Reply #2 on: July 29, 2024, 11:38:50 PM »

Offline TravelMoshe

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Re: Using an RV from a Jewish perspective
« Reply #3 on: July 30, 2024, 09:03:04 PM »
Thanks for posting all that. But I'm sure there are people out there that have had lots of experiences with these things. If they could share them, I'm sure that it would be helpful to all RV users now and in the future.

Offline username

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Re: Using an RV from a Jewish perspective
« Reply #4 on: July 30, 2024, 11:20:17 PM »
Get ahold of this guy:

Thanks for the link, for what it's worth, I really enjoyed driving up to Prudhoe Bay and touching the frigid waters of the Arctic Ocean. See here: http://lookbeforeyoulive.com/?p=4903

Also, realize that depending on which opinion you follow, Alaska either is or is not on the other side of the halachic date line, so Shabbos could start either Thursday night or Friday night, with some poskim suggesting keeping two days of Shabbos.

Happy Travels!

-Ben

@LookBeforeYouLive - you have numerous posts about modifications you made to your home. Do you discuss -in one area- any shabbos modifications that were needed?
^^^

Offline LookBeforeYouLive

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Re: Using an RV from a Jewish perspective
« Reply #5 on: July 31, 2024, 12:56:10 PM »
@LookBeforeYouLive - you have numerous posts about modifications you made to your home. Do you discuss -in one area- any shabbos modifications that were needed?

There is a category on the blog for all RV modifications: https://lookbeforeyoulive.com/?cat=6

We also discuss these issues in the Facebook group Orthodox Jewish RV travel enthusiasts: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthodoxJewishRV/

Offline aygart

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Re: Using an RV from a Jewish perspective
« Reply #6 on: July 31, 2024, 05:30:30 PM »
There is a category on the blog for all RV modifications: https://lookbeforeyoulive.com/?cat=6



Is there a way to find only the ones needed for halacha purposes?
Feelings don't care about your facts

Offline TravelMoshe

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Re: Using an RV from a Jewish perspective
« Reply #7 on: August 03, 2024, 10:48:30 PM »
There is a category on the blog for all RV modifications: https://lookbeforeyoulive.com/?cat=6

We also discuss these issues in the Facebook group Orthodox Jewish RV travel enthusiasts: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthodoxJewishRV/
I don't see any relevance to discussion about Halachic life in an RV in the website. And I don't have access to Facebook so I can't check to see what that group offers.

There have got to be members out there that have been in an RV before and have explored the various shailos that come up, especially in regard to Kashrus and Shabbos. Is there a sefer, pamphlet, resource-something that goes through the various issues that may come up and how to deal with them??

Offline yungermanchik

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Re: Using an RV from a Jewish perspective
« Reply #8 on: August 04, 2024, 03:23:49 PM »
@PBaruch has a lot of experience.
Small people talk about other people.
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Offline momo

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Re: Using an RV from a Jewish perspective
« Reply #9 on: August 04, 2024, 03:33:54 PM »
Im in one now and will be spending next shabbos in it. I really dont see any issues other then fridge, lifhts etc. its not brand new so maybe less tech. I’ll be plugged into power so no water pump issues.

Offline yungermanchik

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Re: Using an RV from a Jewish perspective
« Reply #10 on: August 04, 2024, 03:38:18 PM »
@TravelMoshe I see this was in response to a question that you asked:

This was our first time staying in a motorhome for Shabbos and we weren't really prepared for it.  Different people will tell you different things on this issue.  I think some of the things are ridiculous but I will leave that up to you.  One thing we were told to do is to cover the wheels for Shabbos, and we have since purchased wheel covers (cheap on Amazon).  We have stayed in a motorhome for Shabbos multiple times and I prefer a nice RV Campground versus a hotel where we feel trapped on Shabbos. 

On thing you should check about is whether Chabad has a sewer hookup.  If they don't, just make sure to flush your black and gray water tanks before Shabbos.

Small people talk about other people.
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BIG PEOPLE TALK ABOUT IDEAS.

Offline JudahMcB

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Re: Using an RV from a Jewish perspective
« Reply #11 on: August 04, 2024, 06:30:40 PM »
I’ll be plugged into power so no water pump issues.
How does plugging in to power solve shabbos water pump issues? Unless you meant you'll be plugged in to a public water source.

Offline TravelMoshe

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Re: Using an RV from a Jewish perspective
« Reply #12 on: August 04, 2024, 07:51:58 PM »
How does plugging in to power solve shabbos water pump issues? Unless you meant you'll be plugged in to a public water source.
And, I would ask, does being plugged in to power help with any Shabbos issues at all? I mean, you're still not going to leave any lights on. You're still not going to be able to use electricity to pump anything.
And, by the way, if you turn all the power off for Shabbos, what happens to the toilet that usually relies on electricity to flush?

Offline JudahMcB

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Re: Using an RV from a Jewish perspective
« Reply #13 on: August 04, 2024, 07:55:02 PM »
if you turn all the power off for Shabbos, what happens to the toilet that usually relies on electricity to flush?
IME, RV toilets are gravity toilets. Even without water pressure stuff will go down the toilet when you step on the flusher, you just might not get a real flush. If you're plugged into a public water source then you don't need the electric pump because there's enough water pressure to run the faucets and the toilet.

Offline jaywhy

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Re: Using an RV from a Jewish perspective
« Reply #14 on: August 04, 2024, 08:27:00 PM »
And, I would ask, does being plugged in to power help with any Shabbos issues at all? I mean, you're still not going to leave any lights on. You're still not going to be able to use electricity to pump anything.
And, by the way, if you turn all the power off for Shabbos, what happens to the toilet that usually relies on electricity to flush?
You can flush the toilet but without the pump or city water pressure, you won’t be able to get more water to help whatever is in it flow down.

Offline Dan

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Re: Using an RV from a Jewish perspective
« Reply #15 on: August 04, 2024, 08:28:59 PM »
Be familiar with eruv issues if you're parking at a campsite next to a table you want to use for Shabbos.
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Re: Using an RV from a Jewish perspective
« Reply #16 on: August 04, 2024, 08:31:45 PM »
Be familiar with eruv issues if you're parking at a campsite next to a table you want to use for Shabbos.









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Offline imayid2

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Re: Using an RV from a Jewish perspective
« Reply #17 on: August 04, 2024, 09:23:55 PM »

]
The front opening is using pi tikra? Or did it qualify for a צורת הפתח?

Also, curious if the roof spread is part of the equation, or just for convenience?

Offline Something Fishy

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Re: Using an RV from a Jewish perspective
« Reply #18 on: August 04, 2024, 09:31:45 PM »
Or learn how to build your own eruv:

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Re: Using an RV from a Jewish perspective
« Reply #19 on: August 04, 2024, 09:38:57 PM »
curious if the roof spread is part of the equation
It was indeed.
Good memories!












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