The catalytic converter on our 30' was stolen sometime during the night between 12/6 and 12/7/2020. On the morning of 12/7, I found a stout stick wedged between the door frame and through the boost handle on the left side of the door. I thought it strange at the time and didn't attach the significance until I discovered the theft on 12/18. The stick was meant to keep the door wedged shut in the event there were occupants inside the LD when the thief began cutting out the catalytic converter. I discovered the theft when I started the engine on 12/18 to do an oil change.
IMPORTANT PART: Sanderson Ford here in metro Phoenix says they have replaced 4 catalytic converters stolen from RVs in just the last week.
My outdoor camera didn't cover the right angle but it will shortly. I'm also thinking about using some eMacro motion sensors for early warning.
The scum of the world is watching us all the time for the right moment. Preventative vigilance is all we have to keep us from serious inconvenience and rising insurance rates.
Dan
Bummer! Where was the LD when the catalytic converter was cut out?
Awful news!
Older model Prius are incredibly easy to cut the catalytic converter out of, which spawned a cottage industry of shields you can bolt on to thwart thefts.
Is there such shields to protect a E450?
That sucks! When I was inspecting Bossa Nova, pre-purchase, that’s one of the things I checked for as I’ve heard it’s becoming more common in certain areas. My greatest fear was that it would get stolen while I was on the trip back to California so when I got back here I crawled underneath to verify that it’s still there so I can get it smogged.
That sucks! When I was inspecting Bossa Nova, pre-purchase, that’s one of the things I checked for as I’ve heard it’s becoming more common in certain areas. My greatest fear was that it would get stolen while I was on the trip back to California so when I got back here I crawled underneath to verify that it’s still there so I can get it smogged.
You'll know if it's missing, Greg. You'll need earplugs. 🙂
Chris
You'll know if it's missing, Greg. You'll need earplugs. 🙂
Having thankfully never had one stolen, I’m sure you’re right, Chris!
Thank you for sharing. I am not only concerned about the theft but the safety for those who may have been inside not knowing the primary exit had been jammed.
Were the cab doors blocked? And even if they were, the windows can be lowered to allow escape, or, duh, start the engine and drive away? Also, I think it would hard to complete the theft before an occupant called 911 and the police showed up.
Bummer! Where was the LD when the catalytic converter was cut out?
Parked on my driveway at my residence.
Were the cab doors blocked? And even if they were, the windows can be lowered to allow escape, or, duh, start the engine and drive away? Also, I think it would hard to complete the theft before an occupant called 911 and the police showed up.
No, the cab doors were not tampered. The wedged stick across the door would have provided the time needed for the scum to get away before any potential occupants could get outside.
This theft probably took 2 minutes. The scum probably used a battery-operated saws-all. I must say, the cuts were very clean and straight. The scum had practice doing this.
I'm not going to comment on calling 911.
A small update:
I'm insured by Progressive. They called me, in person, to acknowledge the claim within two hours of me filing it on the internet. I'm impressed so far. An adjuster will call Monday.
I've contacted a dealership (Don Sanderson Ford) here in metro Phoenix. They want $1600 for the replacement OEM catalytic converter and another $800 to install it. :o
I don't yet have a quote on what it will cost to tow it to the dealership.
I will not accept less than the OEM replacement. There are after-market cats that will work but I will not trust them in relation to the design considerations of shielding heat that close to the box above it where my wife and I live when traveling.
Dan
... using some eMacro motion sensors for early warning....
Dan,
Are these the ones you are talking about emacros wireless solar driveway alarm (https://www.emacros.com/products/emacros-wireless-solar-driveway-alarm-no-diy-security-alert-system-monitorno-need-to-replace-battery)?
They look like they alert if someone approaches from about 30' away.
Do they send an alarm to your phone or ???
Jane
Dan,
Are these the ones you are talking about emacros wireless solar driveway alarm (https://www.emacros.com/products/emacros-wireless-solar-driveway-alarm-no-diy-security-alert-system-monitorno-need-to-replace-battery)?
They look like they alert if someone approaches from about 30' away.
Do they send an alarm to your phone or ???
Jane
Yes. These are the motion sensors I am considering. I am working on a way to place the sensor under the LD as well as one other location to alert me to the approach of an intruder on my driveway. They transmit an alarm tone to a receiver. You can buy as many receivers as you want so you can have them in various places in your house so as not to miss that "important call."
Dan
Seems as if catalytic converters are this eras VW bug motor. Those little engines used to disappear in the dead of night. Imagine the surprise of some poor guy turning the key and nothing happens. He goes back to look at the motor and it's gone.
"The more things change the more they stay the same".
I have registration in New Mexico with no annual inspection.
A couple of years ago I was in Northern California when my RV died.
Towed into Alturas and a nice Mennonite mechanic found and fixed a couple of issues.
One of them was a plugged cat. He priced a new one, over $400 and I asked since I was out of state if he could remove it.
He didn't have the parts to do it and sent me down the road to a muffler shop. They had no problem with knocking out the innards of the plugged cat for $50. No check engine codes with the cat the way it is either.
So, if someone steals mine, they will get a surprise.
I have registration in New Mexico with no annual inspection.
A couple of years ago I was in Northern California when my RV died.
Towed into Alturas and a nice Mennonite mechanic found and fixed a couple of issues.
One of them was a plugged cat. He priced a new one, over $400 and I asked since I was out of state if he could remove it.
He didn't have the parts to do it and sent me down the road to a muffler shop. They had no problem with knocking out the innards of the plugged cat for $50. No check engine codes with the cat the way it is either.
So, if someone steals mine, they will get a surprise.
Did you notice any difference in performance or mpg?
One of them was a plugged cat. He priced a new one, over $400 and I asked since I was out of state if he could remove it.
He didn't have the parts to do it and sent me down the road to a muffler shop. They had no problem with knocking out the innards of the plugged cat for $50. No check engine codes with the cat the way it is either.
So, if someone steals mine, they will get a surprise.
The catalytic converter on your 1996 LD does not have a downstream oxygen sensor, the computer does not monitor the cat's performance, as it does with later, ODBII emission systems. If it ever needs inspection, such as if sold to someone in another state, it will not pass the tailpipe test.
BTW, it's a violation of Federal law to remove the catalytic converter from any street-legal vehicle that originally had one as standard equipment. It does no matter what state a vehicle is registered in or operates in.
Larry
No change in mileage, it gets about 8 no matter what.
I did not remove it, it's still there looking exactly like it did from the factory.
The guts are removed. And yes, that is not legal either but I have no intentions of selling it.
If I ever can get something newer, it will go to a family member that won't have any issues with it the way it is.
Catalytic converter laws are in the same category as speeding laws or rolling through stop signs or texting while driving for that matter or even driving after a few drinks. People routinely weigh the risk of getting caught, the possible consequences and decide for themselves to adhere to the law or not.
Choosing between all of the above I'd say removing or gutting your cat is the least danger to others and the law that merits the least punishment when broken.
Personally I think they are a good idea and work as advertised but if I lived in a state that didn't check for compliance and mine went kaput or got stolen I wouldn't replace it.
Thank you for sharing. I am not only concerned about the theft but the safety for those who may have been inside not knowing the primary exit had been jammed.
Yeah that seems pretty aggressive and borderline violent.
My spouse went to a Costco and while gone 2 guys cut the catalytic converter out of our Toyota pickup. She saw two guys by the truck and didn’t think much about it. Starting up the truck told the story. We were told Toyota trucks catalytic converters were high theft item. I just couldn’t believe it was stolen in a crowded Costco parking lot in broad daylight.
My spouse went to a Costco and while gone 2 guys cut the catalytic converter out of our Toyota pickup. She saw two guys by the truck and didn’t think much about it. Starting up the truck told the story. We were told Toyota trucks catalytic converters were high theft item. I just couldn’t believe it was stolen in a crowded Costco parking lot in broad daylight.
Are you in LA?
I wonder if this is one of those nonviolent crimes that wont be prosecuted if you are poor or a minor.
Are you in LA?
I wonder if this is one of those nonviolent crimes that wont be prosecuted if you are poor or a minor.
No this was in Clovis, CA
No this was in Clovis, CA
Pretty brazen thieves.
Dan,
a couple months back someone cut the catalytic convertor out of my wife's CRV while it was in a rural church's parking lot while she was out on a walk with her girlfriends. She called me to say that her car sounded funny when she started it. I drove over to see what was up and knew pretty much what happened when I started it up.
Turns out that there was a ring of these thieves in our part of Ohio doing this and they were caught shortly after our theft. Now none of these ladies wants to leave their cars parked on these back roads anymore.
Insurance covered it all, but what a P.I.T.A.!
Are you in LA?
I wonder if this is one of those nonviolent crimes that wont be prosecuted if you are poor or a minor.
Why is your go-to position that any social issues mentioned must be in California?
Now Los Angeles has become your target.
The OP of this thread lives in Arizona. I have not heard any rants on Arizona from you yet.
Guess you have never been to the west coast of your state, do you actually think Seattle and the other coastal large cities are crime-free because all the criminals and liberals live in California?
Yup, Washington State is the safest place in the USA for a catalytic converter to live.
Your comments seem to rotate around political items, the forum is not the place for these conversations, as you have heard from us several times before.
Facebook is always looking for new members.
Larry
Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight. :)
Just for the record.
"those accused of misdemeanors and low-level felonies will be referred to community-based programs."
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/crimes-las-prosecute
I had a better angle for photos when the tow truck arrived. Here's what it looks like when scum comes calling for your catalytic converter.
Dan
Really sorry Dan to hear about your catalytic converter theft. I will do my best not to graphically express myself about the parentage of the folks who think they deserved your property more then you.
glen
Hi Dan; sorry to hear about that theft. It could have been worse. The cut was clean, and the new one will bolt right on at the flange fitting. So just one weld needed. I would go to a muffler shop, no need to involve Ford. Depending on their expertise, they may remove that cut pipe all the way back to the forward fitting, perhaps not really needed. The perp here could have really mangled things worse. RonB
That was my thoughts exactly they really cut it clean. Looks like a cordless sawzall job. Tuff loss but it could of been worse.
Jon
I have the Lazy Daze back now from the shop. I'd like to offer some thoughts on the experience.
1. If you are the victim of a catalytic converter theft, your insurance company is going to offer you the cost of a replacement after-market cat. In my case this all worked out to $808.00. I have been with Progressive since 2012 when we bought the LD and I've never made a claim so I had a "disappearing deductible". If I had to pay the deductible, the insurance company would have only covered $308.00.
2. The tow to the shop was completely covered under my roadside assistance coverage with Progressive and I was completely satisfied with the service I received.
3. Now, the IMPORTANT PART (in my opinion). I reached a conclusion that only an OEM Ford catalytic converter was an acceptable replacement. When Ford designed these E-450 cutaways for use as motor homes, the engineers designed the cats with heat shielding and placement that was mindful of the living quarters that would exist above the cat. In other words - HEAT PROTECTION. I spoke with the Ford dealership and was told that they could make an aftermarket cat work but it would require bending the exhaust in ways that did not fit the factory exhaust system. They also said they could add more heat shielding to an aftermarket cat at increased $$. The OEM cat cost substantially more than an aftermarket cat and I had to eat the difference. The insurance adjuster was unsympathetic to this argument as he cares only about his bottom line in claim payouts.
For those of you who will be there, see you in the desert at Quartzsite next week.
Dan
<sigh> sooner or later the insurance company always wins ......
ps they ALL act the same way no matter the brand.
glen
Dan, glad you were able to resolve everything with the catalytic converter.
We will be with you in spirit only at Quartzsite. Once we get to the point where we can tow our car, we hope to visit in person with the group!
Has anyone researched an appropriate add-on to the cat device for theft protection? There are several different styles out there, but what would be the most effective for each style of vehicles one owns? Personally, so far I am impressed with the cable clamping system offered by CatClamp.
<https://catclamp.com/product/catclamp-heavy-duty-security-kit-2/>
What I like so far is that the cables can wrap through vehicle structure increasing the difficulty of removal. It is hard to cut cable with a saws-all or bolt cutters. I am still checking out other systems. I would be adding a device that I decide on to each or our vehicles (3).
I have to say having my cat converter stolen is not even on my list of concerns. I would suggest where you park would be the major contributor to theft incidence. No big deal to me losing a cat, much bigger deal to have a break in and lose somethings that can not be easily replaced.
I would suggest where you park would be the major contributor to theft incidence.
Don, OP was not in a bad area of town (I am from the same metro area).
In my experience, being in a nicer area means more thefts (thieves know you have nicer stuff).
Parking at a home in a lower crime neighborhood (as OP was) or at a Costco, are not places I normally would think of as high risk areas.
Thieves go where the items the we want to steal are located - so maybe parking where RVs / vehicles with catalytic converters are scarce is the place to park.
In the Phoenix area most homes have HOAs and they disallow RVs at the houses (except for loading/unloading) and pretty strict restrictions Even then.
So I could see if someone wanted an RV catalytic converter heading for the neighborhoods that allow RVs to park at a house (vs an RV park where people live in their RVs and neighbors know their neighbors). In Phoenix area that is typically middle class neighborhoods not built in the last 10 years or so.
And parking lots are known for thefts - I had a friend whose truck was stollen from a work parking lot at lunch - pretty brazen as though there were hundreds of vehicles she was not far from the building entrance and people were in the parking lot at the time. A quick entry into the locked vehicle and destroyed where the key turned on the car, a hot wire and they were gone. Just to steal inexpensive camping gear in the back of a not-new truck with a camper shell.
Not a big gain for the thieves but a real mess and bother for my friend.
Jane
"those accused of misdemeanors and low-level felonies will be referred to community-based programs."
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/crimes-las-prosecute
Sawyer that is not unique to CA.
CO was known for not prosecuting lesser crimes and plea bargaining bigger crimes when I lived there. In fact if you contested a traffic ticket their first response was to offer to change it to a fix it ticket (I don’t know if that was for DUI / reckless driving type tickets).
Same for Seattle area when I lived there. A friend’s family had a horrible crime committed against then which destroyed several lives and the perpetrator plea bargained to a couple years in jail with no financial restitutions - while the family and state picked up the huge lifelong medical costs and the victims life was reduced to barely functional and round the clock intensive care needed.
States have to manage their resources and go after what is easy and achievable.
Personally knowing they can’t catch and prosecute everyone, I have no problem with a state/city deciding to not pursue smaller crimes (yes it rankles the part of me that says there needs to be consequences but I understand it from a business point of view - limited resources).
What bothers me more is people having very small consequences for crimes that destroys lives.
Jane
I had a better angle for photos when the tow truck arrived. Here's what it looks like when scum comes calling for your catalytic converter. Dan
I'm surprised that someone would steal a 13 year old catalytic converter. Can't they get a higher price for a much newer one?
I'm surprised that someone would steal a 13 year old catalytic converter. Can't they get a higher price for a much newer one?
Why catalytic converter thefts are up (https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a35059184/catalytic-converter-theft-cars-up-why/)
Charles
I have mentioned The “cat strap” Device in previous catalytic converter theft threads recently. Here is the link for the device. Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft | Catstrap | United States (https://www.catstrap.net/)
I had two cats removed from my Sequoia and had two cat straps installed on the new cats. It’s been several years since then. Cats are still in place. The cat straps come with a key fob to test the system. The alarm is extremely loud. If a thief attempts the removal of the cat, the alarm goes off. I’m satisfied with mine. Certainly worth the $90 cost.
Simple installation instructions. A DIY job I had my mechanic perform.
Just some food for thought.
Kent
I'm surprised that someone would steal a 13 year old catalytic converter. Can't they get a higher price for a much newer one?
A used cat's precious metal catalyst is recoverable, catalysts, by definition, are not consumed.
The larger the catalytic converter, the more recycling value it has, new or used.
Larry
Ive been reading for months about the Catalytic Converter being stolen. I never dreamed it would be me next! BUT, it did and my Insurance is waiting on me to find someone to replace it but so far nothing. Part is obsolete on my 2000. Can anyone help?
The catalytic converter for a 2000 that meets federal standards is available, but if the LD is registered in California, that catalytic converter doesn't meet the standard. You might want to do a hard search for a compliant replacement and also try calling a Ford truck center for guidance.
I hope you are able to resolve this; I'm sure it's a major blow!
I suggest contacting the California Bureau of Automotive Repair Referee Program, they can provide assistance in cases where certified replacement parts are not available.
Referee Program - Bureau of Automotive Repair (https://www.bar.ca.gov/Consumer/Referee_Program/)
Larry
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/09/climate/catalytic-converter-theft.html
Chris
This catalytic converter thieves has become a problem here in Fargo ND! Written up in the local newspaper to make folks aware of the situation..
Larry, thanks it has taken 3 weeks to finally get the referee on the phone.My mechanic was on hold yesterday for 90 minutes then was shuffled around. Finally got a real person gave them the information he was told it would be 5-10 business days before they could give him an answer. We do know that the e350 would work or evenF150 however they cannot go,forward until approval. Another note about our “patrolled secure storage” another owner went to check on his rig found a guy living in it! The owner had been gone a couple of months. Sigh...
Cat thefts. When I spoke with my insurance adjuster and told him I was going to look for a more secure storage his response was this. We have claims where the rig was inside a lock single storage garage broken into and cat stolen! He said if they want something they will get it. As for older converters they contain more rhodium, palladium and platinum along with in some instance gold. This is a nationwide problem they do not steal to resell they just sell it to a junk lot who then retrieves the precious metals. The thief will get from$100-$250 for the cat.
As a PS if you carry Comprehensive it will be covered. My deductible for Comp is $250.
The thieves have made it to our neck of the woods. I was getting the Outback serviced yesterday when a young man had his Honda CRV towed in because it was making a loud racket when he started it I overheard his conversation with the service advisor and suggested it might be a missing cat; sure enough it was. The poor guy had worked the nightshift at our local Home Depot and the thieves stole his cat while at work.
Did you get your Cat Strap installed. It’s beginning to sound like a TV game show...”Press Your Luck”!
Did you get your Cat Strap installed. It’s beginning to sound like a TV game show...”Press Your Luck”!
Not yet but hoping to get to it before Morro Bay. I've been working on the new compartment bin locks instead and have 8 of 10 finished. We're going to lose a couple days prep time due to an incoming snowstorm. Might need to head over to the coast a little early (darn)!
Bear Valley Springs, CA 10-Day Weather Forecast | Weather Underground (https://www.wunderground.com/forecast/us/ca/bear-valley-springs)
Yesterday, I installed a Cateye alarm on the LD. The installation was time consuming but otherwise done in a way that will sound a very loud alarm if someone tries to crawl under the rig. The alarm sounds as long as motion is detected. When motion stops, the alarm stops.
I have a few other ideas, but for now, as the OP, this, along with a security camera are the measures I've taken so far.
Dan
Yesterday, I installed a Cateye alarm on the LD. The installation was time consuming but otherwise done in a way that will sound a very loud alarm if someone tries to crawl under the rig. The alarm sounds as long as motion is detected. When motion stops, the alarm stops.
I have a few other ideas, but for now, as the OP, this, along with a security camera are the measures I've taken so far.
Dan
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Chris
I have mentioned The “cat strap” Device in previous catalytic converter theft threads recently. Here is the link for the device. Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft | Catstrap | United States (https://www.catstrap.net/)
I had two cats removed from my Sequoia and had two cat straps installed on the new cats. It’s been several years since then. Cats are still in place. The cat straps come with a key fob to test the system. The alarm is extremely loud. If a thief attempts the removal of the cat, the alarm goes off. I’m satisfied with mine. Certainly worth the $90 cost.
Simple installation instructions. A DIY job I had my mechanic perform.
Just some food for thought.
Kent
Hi Kent
I saw your post from 2 yrs ago about the Cat protector. I wish I had seen it before. ::) and acted on it.
We just had our cat stolen while our LD was at the storage facility-which is a well known nationwide storage company
We were not the only ones that lost our cat- as other owners there told us about losing theirs too.
When we called our local Ford dealer and asked about ordering a replacement cat, he said incredulously.... "ANOTHER ONE???"... so, they had obviously have gotten a lot of calls about it.
And the OEM cat is not available from Ford anywhere in the north american continent. The dealer does not foresee getting any cats for 5 to 6 months and even that is uncertain due to "supply chain issues".
And if they ever do get any in, the price is $1800 without labor, tax etc. (at this point in time-who knows the price by that time?)
I agree with the another LD owner's post that the OEM model is much better, but if you cannot buy it, what do you do? Even "off brands" are hard to find.
Bottom line, folks, Get the cat protector, etch your VIN number in it, and get high heat spray paint and spray it something ugly-like orange etc. or paint your VIN number on it. Anything to make it less desirable or too much trouble to clean up or mess with.
The cat protector with the alarm is now $359 for the RVs RV Max Protect Catstrap Kit (Class A & C RVs) | catstrap (https://www.catstrap.net/product-page/class-a-c-rv-solutions)
BIG headache to deal with this crime. And worse part is, no solution as far as getting OEM parts.
Actually they (thieves) are stealing other vehicle cats too. Probably ought to get the cat strap for all your vehicles.
The reason why they are being stolen can be found in this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAWwx5_pc3Q
LEARN FROM US
We just had our cat stolen while our LD was at the storage facility-which is a well known nationwide storage company
We were not the only ones that lost our cat- as other owners there told us about losing theirs too.
And the OEM cat is not available from Ford anywhere in the north american continent. The dealer does not foresee getting any cats for 5 to 6 months and even that is uncertain due to "supply chain issues".
Bottom line, folks, Get the cat protector, etch your VIN number in it, and get high heat spray paint and spray it something ugly-like orange etc. or paint your VIN number on it. Anything to make it less desirable or too much trouble to clean up or mess with.
So sorry.
Was the storage facility outside or inside?
I had a CAT cage built around mine in August, even though I’ll rarely leave my TK alone outside, just don’t want to deal with replacement given how difficult parts are to obtain. They can still cut through that too, just makes them spend more time, maybe enough to encourage them to seek out easier prey.
Not sure how helpful a VIN would be, as the thief would likely cut the CAT before noticing the number, paint might be a deterrent if there is enough light to see the color.
Thanks for the support!
Well..the unit was in a covered shelter but it's more like a carport that is enclosed on 3 sides. So, basically open but sun-wise--it was helpful.
The LD is now living in our driveway and we ordered a cover from Camping World. At least we have a bark-y dog!
I agree about the VIN number can be filed off, but that should be a red-alert to potential buyers. Many states (ours included) have passed new laws specifically about cats making it a third degree felony offense. But until nearby states pass similar laws, and have LEO follow up with inspections and arrests...it will continue unabated.
I saw some other ideas to prevent theft including the cage you mentioned, and agree that anything to slow them down or get them to look elsewhere is a bonus. I like the spray paint idea as it is truly DIY. Just be sure to get the high temp brand.
Corky
Hello Corky,
It’s a sad day when another LD member gets hit by a cat thief. I was first hit with my Sequoia and it’s two cats. About $1500 each. Fortunately OEM cats were still available.
Our LD cats are prime targets and “secure” storage facilities are anything but that. Many years ago as a teenager, I nightwatched a motorcycle assembly yard. I had two German Shepards walk the night shift with me. One night the bad guys cut the chain on a connected gate to another yard. I wasn’t dumb even back then and I called the cops. That was the end of my security days.
I doubt that rv storage yard attendants would get in the way of criminals pilfering their facilities. It’s up to each of us to harden the target.
Thankfully, for many car owners the cat is tucked up between the engine and the firewall and extremely difficult to access. I suppose that’s one thing electric car owners will not have to worry about.
Sorry for your loss and thanks for the tips.
Kent
Hello Corky,
I doubt that rv storage yard attendants would get in the way of criminals pilfering their facilities. It’s up to each of us to harden the target. .
Kent
Some will. The (none too young, but tough) yard guy at my outdoor facility was alerted to a night intruder by their motion alarm. He managed to locate the jerk at my rig just as the cat came off. He challenged the perp and nearly got into a fight but the perp ran off, thankfully leaving the cat behind. So, it “ only” cost me $350 to find a shop that would fabricate a connection bracket and weld the cat back in place. The drive to the shop from my storage was a noisy embarrassment! — Jon
I am afraid you are right about hardening the target as best we can . Few people care about doing a good job anymore. Glad you had one doing his job.