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Topic: Another Catalytic Converter Theft (Read 3228 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: Another Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #25 –
I think I used 3" clamps but your mileage may vary.  I would pick up a few different sizes to see what works best.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Another Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #26 –
A little word of advice on pipe clamp placement and securing them. Keep the clamps as close to the cat as possible then spaced out every foot or so.

It’s very important to tack weld the nuts of the clamps so a thief cannot remove the nuts. Double nuts are a good idea too.

It’s also advisable to use metal zip ties to secure the strap to keep snuggling fitted to the exhaust pipe. Amazon has the metal zips. The ones in the Cat Strap kit are rather thin but should suffice.

Kent

2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Another Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #27 –
I discovered this morning that the catalytic converter on our LD had been stolen.
We keep our LD in an unsecured RV lot about 75 yards from our home.  The lot is  managed by our HOA.
There are homes close by (~20 ft) on three sides of the RV lot but that was not a sufficient deterrent to prevent the theft.
So I will need to find a mechanic to replace the converter.
Assuming I find someone, I will also ask to have one of the anti-theft devices installed.
Can someone recommend a particular anti theft product (and provide a link if possible)?
It seems that having an anti-theft device is worthwhile even if one has very secure storage since the converters apparently can be stolen anywhere when on the road.
I read in the article below that it is best to have the vehicle towed to a repair shop rather than driving it.  Could someone comment on this?

What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen - MarketWatch

Thanks.
Paul
2010 MB (2011-present)                                                                                        
1994 Multiplan (1997-2010)
Re: Another Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #28 –
Paul,

Cat theft really stinks. Here is a link to the Cat Strap company that several of us use on our LD’s.

I have two on my Sequoia as well. Cats cost $1300 each for the Sequoia several years ago.

Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft | Catstrap | United States

Good luck. Driving the LD will be very loud without the Cat in place.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Another Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #29 –
When the cat was stolen from our old 99 MB, I drove it to the mechanic. Didn't seem to do any harm, but it was LOUD. The good news was that the rig was old enough that they were able to use a generic cat, so the cost was reasonable.
George & Jo Ann
2017 MB
Re: Another Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #30 –
Kent said a couple of months ago that "Just a bit of a heads up here. When running the engine, turn off the cat alarm otherwise it will cycle on and off.  Also, after driving the rig (alarm off) do not turn the alarm on until the engine has cooled off otherwise the residual heat from the exhaust will trigger the alarm."

So how do you turn the alarm off and on?  Does that requiring opening the hood and manually turning it off or on?

Also, what powers the catstrap alarm?  Does it have its own battery or does it run off the engine or house battery?

The catstrap web site quotes a price of $150 without the alarm and $280 with the alarm.  The site also notes a two week lead time if you want the alarm.  Have most LD owners who have installed catstrap also installed the alarm?

Paul
2010 MB (2011-present)                                                                                        
1994 Multiplan (1997-2010)
Re: Another Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #31 –
Paul,

My first experience with Cat Strap was when I researched theft prevention when both Cats on my Sequoia were liberated. 😵‍💫

At that time the Cat Strap had a 90 db alarm canister that connected to the truck battery and mounted underneath the hood. It was always on. So you just drove the vehicle as normal.

The current Cat Strap has two options. One with the Strap and one with the Cat Strap and the Cats Eye which is a photo eye that detects motion underneath the vehicle. The Cats Eye comes with a Fob that has an A and B button. A sets the alarm and B turns the alarm off so you can operate the vehicle or work underneath without the alarm sounding.

I am unsure if the Cat Strap alone has an alarm. I’d be surprised if it didn’t but the Strap itself and clamps may well be deterrent enough to stop a thief. You’d need to ask the manufacturer about this feature for the Cat Strap.

If I were to need another set, I’d get the dual set. It’s always good to know you’ve done all you can to protect your LD.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Another Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #32 –
Quote from: Paul H.  - 
Have most LD owners who have installed catstrap also installed the alarm?

Not a bad idea but I did not.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Another Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #33 –

Paul asked:
"So how do you turn the alarm off and on?  Does that requiring opening the hood and manually turning it off or on?

Also, what powers the catstrap alarm?  Does it have its own battery or does it run off the engine or house battery?"

Your coach should have a solenoid switch inside the engine compartment for connecting the coach & engine batteries while driving. Power from the ignition circuit closed this solenoid switch when the engine is running connecting both battery banks for the alternator to charge the coach batteries. This is the best source for power for an alarm and an automatic switch to turn it on & off. This is what I used to turn on the rodent deterrent LEDs under the coach when the engine is off. This is accomplished by installing a relay switch (see attachment: <Amazon.com: 1 Pack 40/30 AMP 12V DC Waterproof Relay and Harness - Heavy...;
 ) near the solenoid wired for the "normally closed" setting (closed when not activated by the ignition circuit). When activated by power from the the ignition the switch opens turning off the alarm power. Use the coach batteries side of the solenoid to power the alarm circuit and tap the ignition wire at the solenoid for the relay switch. 
Mike
 

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2026 Coach House 27' "Casa Azul"
2010 RB "Monty"  &  2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23
Re: Another Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #34 –
I have been looking at YouTube videos relating to protecting catalytic converters from theft.  A fellow named Colby affiliated with Muffler Tech in Sacramento has quite a few interesting videos on this subject. 

In this video he explains why motorhomes on a Ford chassis are so vulnerable to catalytic converter theft: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpu7QcseqNg

In this video he reviews the Catstrap/Cateye theft prevention product:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMmC4CpeZAc&t=18s

Colby recommends using thick roll bar tubing to surround the catalytic converter as he explains in this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyZr4hfzDRw


Paul
2010 MB (2011-present)                                                                                        
1994 Multiplan (1997-2010)
Re: Another Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #35 –
Thanks for this info. My LD is parked in my driveway just outside my kitchen window. Occasionally the Cat Strap/Cats Eye will sound off.   
 
I can hear it from inside the house or while inside the rig. Very reassuring. Plenty loud from these areas. I wouldn’t be underneath the rig for long with the siren going off.

It’s nice to see the alarm continuously sounding while the service tech was underneath the vehicle and stops when he moved away then sounds again right away as he approached the sensor.

Small animals don’t hang around my rig once the alarm sounds. Good to know how accurate the Cats Eye is. 🙀

Kent

2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Another Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #36 –
They got mine 2 weeks ago.  2011 30IB.  Are there any other recommendations for deterrent systems other than Catstrap?  I tried to call the mothership but continuous busy.  What's that about?
Re: Another Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #37 –
As far as I remember the factory shuts down a week in the Christmas/ New Years and a week in the late June and July time frame.  During that time there is no one at the factory, or at least no one answering the phone. They might not even have an answering machine.
    No nothing but the Cat strap and Cat's eye.  Muffler shops may have custom solutions on a 'home brew' type of thing. I have seen specific metal shields for specific cars such as a Prius.     RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Another Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #38 –
There’s also the Cat Clamp, which I’ve been considering. Catalytic Converter | Difficult | Cut | Cat Clamp
— Jon
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄
Re: Another Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #40 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
In addition to the LD, watch out for the toad, especially those of us who tow Foresters:
State Farm slammed by rising theft of catalytic converters | Fox Business

Maybe the insurance companies have enough pull to get the authorities to crack down on catalytic converter thieves.
Maybe.
We keep our Forester locked up at night.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Another Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #41 –
Quote from: debinvenice  - 
I recently realized that using the Catstrap with alarm may be helpful with gas theft. Now that thieves are crawling under vehicles to drill holes in gas tanks, maybe the alarm will chase them away.

I have the Catstrap on my LD and Jeep with alarms for each. Next, I'll be adding locking gas caps. :-)

I don't have a locking gas cap.
I'd rather they siphon than drill a hole.
2021 Mid Bath
Re: Another Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #42 –
So I'm still trying to repair a vacuum line that was chewed through by squirrel(s) at Big Bear. That resulted in the dash A/C staying in defrost mode.   Kent mentioned that the Cat's Eye worked well to keep 'critters' away from underneath intent on stealing the catalytic converter.  So I'm pondering the installation to also keep small furry rodents away from underneath the rig.  Not so sure that it would work in full daylight, but it does work on infrared motion.   Might be a real nuisance in a campground at night.  At least for the other campers.....
    At least this time, it wasn't wiring that could have prevented the motorhome's travel back home.   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Another Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #43 –
Ron

Just returned home from Big Bear Lake (Lighthouse RV Park) and those squirrels are quite a size.

Our Guard Cat [Tux] travels the country with us and is on high alert!

Not sure if could deter CAT theft's but for the squirrels he is tops.

Cheers!

Tony R. (aka codefour) /font]
Tony R
2010 LD RB - Sold to another happy LD Family
Re: Another Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #45 –
Our LD’s cat converter was stolen while parked at an RV storage facility almost a year ago. We took it to a local muffler shop to have a new converter installed and the talented guy there fabricated a cage for it out of rebar. He did a great job.  No further problems, but still if someone is determined they sure could find a way, no doubt.
Re: Another Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #46 –
Two of our friends recently have had converter thieves hit their outdoor RV storage lots, one off an LD and the other from the vehicle driven to and left at the storage lot, while the LD was in use. Both lots had cameras, for what little value they appear to have. Makes indoor storage look more attractive...at a cost.

Wonder how much more of this the auto insurance industry will take before demanding that the authorities forcibly address this situation.
This must be costing them billions, costs that get passed along to us.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
 
Re: Another Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #48 –
Quote from: WhiteElk  - 
Score one for the good guys!  Catalytic Converter bandits nabbed in Santa Barbara as a result of quick action by victim and law enforcement!

Suspects Arrested in Theft of Catalytic Converters | Local News - Noozhawk.com


Yay!  More good news:

Attempted catalytic converter theft at Mercy Hospital; 3 arrested
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264