Stolen Catalytic Converter November 16, 2020, 11:47:44 pm we've had a few things done on our rig in the past year or so. after having it at one shop, we noticed it was making louder noise then usual when driving. not noticeable in the rv itself, but when i was following it i could hear it. sounded like maybe minor exhaust leak, so we didn't pay a super amount of attention to it.we finally brought it somewhere else today for a full exhaust system check. no leaks and they couldn't find anything. they mentioned because the rv didn't have a cat, we might just be hearing normal engine noise. that sounded funny to us, so when we questioned it, they showed where the cat used to be. someone had welded a straight pipe in it's place. they said it look clean, and maybe a year or so old. we bought the rig about two years ago from previous owner in CA. In NC it doesn't need a cat to pass inspection. I'm thinking that can't be the case in CA can it?i'm wondering if one of the shops we went to decided to help themselves to some extra cash.does anyone know if the mothership would remove the cat? 1 Likes
Re: stolen cat??? Reply #1 – November 17, 2020, 03:05:05 am Anything Lazy Daze gets in California would have all of the equipment involved with the smog devices, as it came from Ford. I'm sure LD wouldn't change anything. I can't tell what a previous owner could or would do, but I guess if one went bad, that if it isn't required where you are, It might get replaced with a straight pipe. They aren't cheap. If it was switched out after you bought it, then your guess as to what happened is far better than mine. RonB 1 Likes
Re: stolen cat??? Reply #2 – November 17, 2020, 09:43:29 pm I have no idea what the state where your LD is registered, in states that require periodic emission testing, the inspector looks for the presence of a catalytic converter(s), during the visual inspection, In California, if the inspector suspects it has been replaced, they find the model number stamped on it and look it up, verifying it is the correct replacement. If it isn't there or the number is wrong, the vehicle fails the test and the state is notified.It is a Federal crime to remove or defeat the operation of a catalytic converter from a street-driven vehicle. The missing cat should be replaced, the rest of us air-breathing types would appreciate it. The cat does not noticeably affect performance or gas mileage except then the honeycomb interior structure disintegrates and plugs up. This is what probably happen and the previous owner didn't want to pay for a new converter and living in a state that doesn't emission test their vehicle, knew that getting caught was unlikely.Larry 1 Likes
Re: Stolen Catalytic Converter Reply #3 – November 18, 2020, 09:22:00 am Interesting info on cats and explains why henness noticed louder engine noise.Seems that a "significant" increase in HP and mpg is also a result of no cat and I wonder if henness noticed any increase in power and better mpg along with noise. 13 Removing Catalytic Converter Pros and Cons – Green GarageTwo things are a bit confusing."Federal law in the United States prohibits the removal of a catalytic converter which is functioning properly. "So does this mean if you remove a malfunctioning cat you don't legally have to replace it to meet fed laws?"Several states, such as California, have strict laws on the books which prohibit the removal of a catalytic converter under most circumstances." So not all states require a cat? That's news to me. Seems like there's some cat loopholes here you could drive an LD through.
Re: Stolen Catalytic Converter Reply #4 – November 18, 2020, 01:55:07 pm Quote from: Sawyer - November 18, 2020, 09:22:00 amInteresting info on cats and explains why henness noticed louder engine noise.Seems that a "significant" increase in HP and mpg is also a result of no cat and I wonder if henness noticed any increase in power and better mpg along with noise. 13 Removing Catalytic Converter Pros and Cons – Green GarageTwo things are a bit confusing."Federal law in the United States prohibits the removal of a catalytic converter which is functioning properly. "So does this mean if you remove a malfunctioning cat you don't legally have to replace it to meet fed laws?"Several states, such as California, have strict laws on the books which prohibit the removal of a catalytic converter under most circumstances." So not all states require a cat? That's news to me. Seems like there's some cat loopholes here you could drive an LD through.First thing, if your vehicle came with a catalytic converter, Federal law prohibits it from being legally removed, no matter what state is it is registered in, the exception is if the vehicle is not licensed and is used exclusively off road (think race cars).If a state doesn't inspect periodically, they should but that does not give you the right to remove it. Usually, when a cat fails, it will rattle and the interior collapses, plugging the converter up, sometimes enough to keep the engine from running at all. Other times, the catalyst material becomes 'poisoned' or wears off, eliminating or reducing the cat's effectiveness. Legally, if it fails, it should be replaced with a matching replacement. If your state inspects and the cat is missing or it does not pass the tailpipe test, you will have to replace a defective cat to pass. A newer car's self-diagnostics monitor the cat's performance, using the O2 sensors, and can detect when it has failed, setting a CEL (check engine light). Any CELs present during the emission test will prevent passing. Years ago, catalytic converters were restrictive and reduced power, today's cats flow efficiently and do not noticeably reduce power or mileage, just because you read it on the internet does not make it correct. Automotive engineering has come a very long way in the past thirty years. Look at how much power is produced today from very small displacement engines, a restrictive cat would kill the power, the engineers figure this out years ago.Larry 3 Likes
Re: Stolen Catalytic Converter Reply #5 – November 18, 2020, 02:39:27 pm NC inspections don't include an emissions test for vehicles above 8501lbs GVWR. Emissions tests are also not required in 78 of the 100 counties in NC.I don't know if inspectors are supposed to visually check for a catalytic convertor, but I've had my LD inspected in NC 9 or so times and have never noticed anyone looking under the rig. The whole inspection takes ~10 minutes and costs $13.60. All of that doesn't speak to what is right - just what happens.My guess is that someone stole the catalytic convertor while the rig was parked in a storage lot somewhere. Faced with the prospect of paying for a new one, the owner choose not to. Speculation, of course, but that kind of thing happens. Rich 1 Likes
Re: Stolen Catalytic Converter Reply #6 – November 18, 2020, 05:58:54 pm Quote from: rich - November 18, 2020, 02:39:27 pmNC inspections don't include an emissions test for vehicles above 8501lbs GVWR. Emissions tests are also not required in 78 of the 100 counties in NC.I don't know if inspectors are supposed to visually check for a catalytic convertor, but I've had my LD inspected in NC 9 or so times and have never noticed anyone looking under the rig. The whole inspection takes ~10 minutes and costs $13.60. All of that doesn't speak to what is right - just what happens.My guess is that someone stole the catalytic convertor while the rig was parked in a storage lot somewhere. Faced with the prospect of paying for a new one, the owner choose not to. Speculation, of course, but that kind of thing happens. Rich This got me interested in Washington where I've lived ten years now and never gave an emissions test a second thought. I researched it and found only a few counties in Washington require such a test and I fortunately don't live in one of them.As far as federal restrictions it's once again where you live that matters. Feds don't inspect and if your state doesn't either it's a law without enforcement and you can pretty much do as you please so I think henness has nothing to worry about legally. As far as replacement of this very expensive part for pollution sake I don't think any of us who choose to drive a 10 mpg vehicle for recreation are all that "green" so that's probably not an issue."You'll never get fined if you never get caught, which is entirely possible in many places; some states like South Dakota and Florida don't have any emissions testing. Converter removal is fairly common in states like these, but there's one caveat; don't walk up to any old shop and ask them to remove the converter. Most will either tell you that they don't do exhaust work for undercover EPA agents, or that you have to register your vehicle as "off-road only" before they'll touch it. "Catalytic Converter Laws | Legal Beagle
Re: Stolen Catalytic Converter Reply #7 – January 03, 2021, 06:39:04 pm The removal of catalytic converter will cause potential problems later unless the person who removed also changed the engine control programs in the PCM (Powertrain Control Module). Depending which model year of your rig, there could be 2 to 4 oxygen sensors in the exhaust system. The engine PCM calculate your air/fuel mix ratio depending the output of the oxygen sensors. This is called close loop control. Remove the catalyst distorted the signal engine receives and will have NEGATIVE consequences long term as engine could be burning too lean or too rich. You should be looking for a shop to weld the catalyst back unless you know someone reflashed the control program in the PCM accordingly. If you provide the model year of your Lazy Daze. I can figure what number of oxygen sensors in the system and let you know how bad this action will cause in long term engine damage. This is serious. 1 Likes
Re: Stolen Catalytic Converter Reply #8 – January 03, 2021, 07:48:59 pm From RVTravel.com today. The scary truth about thousands of catalytic converter thefts - RV TravelChris
Re: Stolen Catalytic Converter Reply #9 – January 03, 2021, 08:35:38 pm Has anyone taken any steps to prevent the catalytic converter from being stolen of your LD?Regards,Julie
Re: Stolen Catalytic Converter Reply #10 – January 03, 2021, 09:04:39 pm The good news is Ford E450 catalytic converters (two per bank) are fabricated with the front pipes together. It is very difficult to remove, unlike those cars/trucks/suvs with bolted on catalyst. In the case we are discussing here, the catalytic converters were intentionally removed to reduce exhaust back pressure for "better performance". Unfortunately the guy who did it really did not keep with new technology and did not know what he was doing.
Re: Stolen Catalytic Converter Reply #11 – January 03, 2021, 11:18:39 pm Quote from: cli288 - January 03, 2021, 09:04:39 pmThe good news is Ford E450 catalytic converters (two per bank) are fabricated with the front pipes together. It is very difficult to remove....Hmmm. Didn't take my thief very long. 2 Likes
Re: Stolen Catalytic Converter Reply #12 – January 05, 2021, 03:23:01 pm Quote from: O2boutside - January 03, 2021, 08:35:38 pmHas anyone taken any steps to prevent the catalytic converter from being stolen of your LD?Regards,JulieNot yet, Julie, but I am losing sleep worrying about it. So I have come up with something that I think would work.My plan is to buy 3 or 4 railroad ties. I haven't looked into the dimensions. But, I believe they are large enough to block access to the underside of the RV. If not, I will make them so by adding more wood to them.Once I have them the correct height. I'm going to push them under the RV and make a simple square (4 pieces of wood) around the area with the catalytic converter. Then I will drive some lag screws into the railroad ties to join them and ensure no one can just pull the ties out.Yes, it's going to make it a job to go camping. But, at least if it works, it might make a thief pick someone else's vehicle. It won't be easy to cut through the railroad ties or to move them. And, even if you cut the exhaust and could get the catalytic converter loose, you wouldn't be able to get it over the railroad ties.Another idea I have is to put something in between the driveway and the catalytic converter, but I can't figure what to use. But if something were under there, it would mean you couldn't remove the cat even if you cut the exhaust pipes. Clearly, these measures only give me peace of mind at home not on the road. But, that's where our LD spends most of its time. Love to hear other ideas (probably better) for home made solutions. Jim & DebSanta Cruz, California2016 24' TK 1 Likes
Re: Stolen Catalytic Converter Reply #13 – January 05, 2021, 03:39:53 pm If I was worried about having my catalytic convertor stolen, I would lower my insurance deductible. Lower the deductible to reduce your possible cost, park in a reasonably safe place when you can, and do your best to not worry about it anymore.It's how we handle earthquakes on the west coast, and hurricane season on the gulf/atlantic coast. Insurance, take reasonable steps, do your best to live life. I guess I might also wrap a big rubber snake around the thing.Rich 3 Likes
Re: Stolen Catalytic Converter Reply #14 – January 05, 2021, 06:03:19 pm Please be careful Rich. The catalytic converter generate a huge amount of heat by converting unburned hydrocarbons to CO2, thus, surface temperature may exceed 800F. Any organic material would catch fire. I hope the rubber snake is just a joke. In fact, for anyone building barriers around the converter, please be careful in choosing materials, high strength steel is good.Cutting the catalytic converter from the exhaust pipe will generate a lot of noise, so choosing parking location is critically important.
Re: Stolen Catalytic Converter Reply #15 – January 05, 2021, 07:03:42 pm "I hope the rubber snake is just a joke."---Yes.
Re: Stolen Catalytic Converter Reply #16 – January 05, 2021, 10:53:07 pm We are having a rash of cat thefts from Toyota Priuses. They cut them off with a saw in less than a minute. A friend of mine was just told her new cat would cost over $2k installed. Toyota has made Prius-specific locks to prevent cat theft, but most people don’t realize they need one until after a theft.For the rest of us, there is a universal anti-theft device called a CatClamp that should provide more peace of mind. Amazon.com: CatClamp Standard Kit: Automotive If you read the comments, it seems that it’s best installed on a lift and then welded to prevent rattling. The multiple stainless steel cables make it hard to saw off fast, so thieves are inclined to move on.Maud 1 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Stolen Catalytic Converter Reply #17 – January 06, 2021, 09:22:26 am Wow, this thread has a long life. I am not interested in paying several hundred dollars to prevent the thief of an item worth several hundred dollars. Thankful to live where such thief is not an issue. Also thankful I have a Jeep, not a Prius .
Re: Stolen Catalytic Converter Reply #18 – January 06, 2021, 10:55:36 am Another option, courtesy of Kent...Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft | Catstrap | United States 1 Likes
Re: Stolen Catalytic Converter Reply #19 – January 06, 2021, 11:33:40 am Quote from: Don Malpas - January 06, 2021, 09:22:26 amWow, this thread has a long life. I am not interested in paying several hundred dollars to prevent the thief of an item worth several hundred dollars. Thankful to live where such thief is not an issue. Also thankful I have a Jeep, not a Prius . Kinda like building a $50K RV garage to house a $50K RV. 😁 1 Likes
Re: Stolen Catalytic Converter Reply #20 – January 07, 2021, 01:07:00 pm Quote from: Don Malpas - January 06, 2021, 09:22:26 amWow, this thread has a long life. I am not interested in paying several hundred dollars to prevent the thief of an item worth several hundred dollars. Thankful to live where such thief is not an issue. Also thankful I have a Jeep, not a Prius . The replacement cost for our Honda CRV was about $1,400.00 due to the damage to other parts of the exhaust system. We think the thieves in our neck of the woods like to target SUV's because they are much easier to access, easy to crawl under.I'm glad you live in an area where you don't have this problem, in my area there's a lot of poverty and a drug problem. Not to make excuses for the thieves or anything, just what it is.Take care, Ron 1 Likes
Re: Stolen Catalytic Converter Reply #21 – January 07, 2021, 02:23:25 pm Quote from: Don Malpas - January 06, 2021, 09:22:26 am... I am not interested in paying several hundred dollars to prevent the thief of an item worth several hundred dollars... Ford OEM for your Lazy Daze E450 - $1,600.00. Then add labor. Your insurance will cover only the cost of an aftermarket product which was not designed to fit the LD without additional pipe bending. If you have a comprehensive deductible, say $500, your loss will be significant. Theft prevention makes sense at these numbers. 2 Likes
Re: Stolen Catalytic Converter Reply #22 – January 07, 2021, 04:18:56 pm Quote from: dsandsaz - January 07, 2021, 02:23:25 pmFord OEM for your Lazy Daze E450 - $1,600.00. Then add labor. Your insurance will cover only the cost of an aftermarket product which was not designed to fit the LD without additional pipe bending. If you have a comprehensive deductible, say $500, your loss will be significant. Theft prevention makes sense at these numbers. Not to mention the downtime to find an OEM replacement and have it installed.I’ve added CAT protection to my post pick up list for my LD
Re: Stolen Catalytic Converter Reply #23 – January 07, 2021, 04:59:21 pm Quote from: dsandsaz - January 07, 2021, 02:23:25 pm Your insurance will cover only the cost of an aftermarket product which was not designed to fit the LD without additional pipe bending. This depends on the laws in your state and contract between you and your insurance company, with the terms spelled out in your policy document. If you bought insurance that allows non-oem parts, you might get that. If your policy includes OEM replacement parts, you're entitled to them.Ask your insurance agent about a 'OEM parts endorsement' if that's the kind of coverage you want.The body shop can be a great source of information about which insurance companies are easier or harder to work with where you live. They deal with insurance policies all day long, understand the issues, and know who provides the best experience for their customers. Most will gladly tell you what they know if you show up with donuts or fresh baked goods!Rich 3 Likes
Re: Stolen Catalytic Converter Reply #24 – January 13, 2021, 12:27:30 pm Me too.Got a call from the local PD. The RV/boat storage facility where I keep my MB was broken into. Several RVs had the cats cut off the exhaust system. DaVee was one them. Calls have been made to the insurance co and a local repair place. 1 Likes
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Topic: Stolen Catalytic Converter (Read 1902 times)
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