Terpstra v. Grand Mobile Trailer Sales

This is the story of a trailer, a statute and a lawsuit which, if successful, would make the law look foolish.

Plaintiff purchased the trailer from defendant on September 22, 1955. He paid the purchase price of $1,325 in full by trading in a trailer and paying the balance in cash. The trailer was delivered to plaintiff the next day and he started living in it.

On November 29, 1955, the trailer was destroyed by fire while plaintiff was attempting to thaw out some pipes on its under side with the use of a heat lamp. So much for the trailer!

Now, the statute. Michigan’s motor vehicle code requires…