Mezuza on a Caravan

Question: We own a caravan that we use a couple of times a year, while the rest of the time it remains parked in our driveway. Are we required to affix a mezuza to it?

Answer: Rambam (Mezuza 6:9) and the Shulchan Aruch (YD 286:11) rule that a dwelling on a ship is exempt from a mezuza because it is not intended for permanent residence.

R’ Shraga Feivish Schneebalg (Shraga Hameir 3:19) clarifies that caravans, which are generally not designed for long-term living, do not require a mezuza, even if someone resides in them year-round.

R’ Mordechai Yaakov Breish (Chelkas Yaakov YD 147:45; 163) and R’ Moshe Stern (Baer Moshe 2:88) note that if a caravan is used as a permanent home, there is indeed an obligation to affix a mezuza with a beracha. However, if the caravan is primarily bought or rented for travel purposes, a mezuza should be affixed without a beracha.

R’ Yitzchak Yaakov Weiss (Minchas Yitzchak 2:82) discusses a scenario in which a caravan serves as a person’s primary home, due to financial constraints. In such cases, he asserts that a mezuza must be affixed with a beracha, though he expresses some doubt about reciting the beracha. If the caravan is continuously on the move, there is no requirement to affix a mezuza.

R’ Moshe Sternbuch (Teshuvos Vehanhagos 2:542) adds that if one lives in a caravan for at least a month while it is stationary, a mezuza should be affixed without a beracha. If the caravan is never stationary for that long, there is no obligation to affix one (see Rivevos Ephraim 3:505).

In conclusion, if the caravan is used solely for holiday travel, there is no need to affix a mezuza. However, if it is used as a residence and remains stationary for at least a month, a mezuza should be affixed, albeit without a beracha.