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Topic: Catalytic Converter Theft (Read 2332 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #50
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.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #51
Did you get your Cat Strap installed. It’s beginning to sound like a TV game show...”Press Your Luck”!
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"

Re: Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #52
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
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #53
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
2007 IB-30

Re: Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #54
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
Product Performance | catstrap 
Buy Now I OHIO, USA| Catstrap.net I Paypal and Credit Card Payment Options

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB

 
Re: Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #55
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

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

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
2013 TK

Re: Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #56
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.
Dave

2017 TK

Re: Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #57
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
2013 TK

Re: Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #58
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
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"

Re: Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #59
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
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄

Re: Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #60
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.

2013 TK