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Topic: Found Your Catalytic Converter (Read 669 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: Found Your Catalytic Converter
Reply #1 –
Wow!
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Found Your Catalytic Converter
Reply #2 –
That's it! I'm gettin' one of those Catstrap deals. I'm thinking that with a cordless sawzall and some physical dexterity, a guy could do the job in about 30 seconds.
jor
09 27' MB
10  Suby Forester
Re: Found Your Catalytic Converter
Reply #3 –
Sadly, this article explains why requiring ID for recycling CATs won’t work, as thieves will just ship it somewhere where there is no requirement for ID.
Dave

2017 TK
Re: Found Your Catalytic Converter
Reply #4 –
The cost to replace our stolen catalytic converter, purchase a catstrap (without the alarm), and have both the new converter and catstrap installed was about $2400.  I am still debating whether to add more protection.

I see there is a shop in Richmond, California (Mr. Muffler) that will weld a rebar cage around the catalytic converter on a motorhome:

Industrial, Heavy-Duty Lift — MGR Mufflers & Auto Repair, Inc. dba Mr. Muffler
Paul
2010 MB (2011-present)                                                                                        
1994 Multiplan (1997-2010)
Re: Found Your Catalytic Converter
Reply #5 –
"I see there is a shop in Richmond, California (Mr. Muffler)..."

 :D  :o  If there is anyplace in California that needs to protect their Cat Converters it is the city of Richmond. If you were a local you would understand what I'm saying....    ::)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Found Your Catalytic Converter
Reply #6 –
Lost my CC in Michigan in late July...at a "secure" fenced lot. I could step up to a fully enclosed storage but it would double my cost/mo.
Sounds like Catstrap is worth doing?
Marcia Boynton
2005 26.5 RK
Adrian and Northport, MI
Re: Found Your Catalytic Converter
Reply #7 –
Quote from: mboynton  - 
Lost my CC in Michigan in late July...at a "secure" fenced lot. I could step up to a fully enclosed storage but it would double my cost/mo.
Sounds like Catstrap is worth doing?

I'm trying not to lose our catalytic converter, the rig is parked out in the open.
Installed a Cat Strap and added two full-length steel cables, that run through the cat's heat shield.
A lot of clamps were used to secure the strap and cables, making it a little more difficult to defeat the system.
Cat Strap | Flickr

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: Found Your Catalytic Converter
Reply #8 –
I have a good friend who lives in Beaverton. She says it’s big, big news there 🤣
Daughter of the first Lazy Bones
Hitting the road on my own and with a friend 🚐 while reporting back to the Lazy Bones at home 🛋

2 Lazy Bones - Home
Re: Found Your Catalytic Converter
Reply #9 –
And to think all the automakers have to do is put a serial number on them....... guess that's to hard.

glen

personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: Found Your Catalytic Converter
Reply #10 –
Quote from: colddog  - 
And to think all the automakers have to do is put a serial number on them....... guess that's to hard.

glen


Too costly.  Besides,  it isn't going to kill anyone, like the $4 Ford saved on not fixing the Pinto gas tank. ;)
Joel
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Found Your Catalytic Converter
Reply #11 –
Driving a LD without the catalytic converter is not pleasant.  I had to drive about 7 miles to the repair shop that replaced our stolen converter and installed the catstrap.  I wore my noise cancelling headphones, opened all the windows to minimize the effects of the exhaust fumes, and drove with the emergency flashers on.  The LD did not want to go more than about 30 mph.
Paul
2010 MB (2011-present)                                                                                        
1994 Multiplan (1997-2010)
Re: Found Your Catalytic Converter
Reply #12 –
Quote from: Paul H.  - 
I see there is a shop in Richmond, California (Mr. Muffler) that will weld a rebar cage around the catalytic converter on a motorhome:

Industrial, Heavy-Duty Lift — MGR Mufflers & Auto Repair, Inc. dba Mr. Muffler

Getting a rebar cage installed today at the place mentioned above.  Not cheap at $700, but not surprising either in the Bay Area.  Actually it’s not a bad price since they charge $500 for passenger vehicles.

I plan on leaving my TK a week at time on trips periodically in the next couple years, and would rather not return to have the cat missing.

UPDATE, cage done, looks good.
Dave

2017 TK
Re: Found Your Catalytic Converter
Reply #13 –
If I were a thief and approached ur LD I would leave a note saying “You Win”

Ron
Ron and Linda
Ada Michigan
Re: Found Your Catalytic Converter
Reply #14 –
Quote from: Sarz272000  - 
If I were a thief and approached ur LD I would leave a note saying “You Win”

I think you're safe, Dave, but if I were a thief, I would cut off the muffler just for spite.   :D
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Found Your Catalytic Converter
Reply #15 –
We are currently staying with our daughter in Richmond, VA. Her husband works at a local church. The church vans have had their catalytic converters stolen a few times. The church's solution was to pour a cement pad high enough and wide enough to make it impossible for someone to get under the vehicles to get to the converter. Envision the vans straddling the cement pad. No problem since. At least it was an original solution. Probably not much more expensive than the cat strap solutions??
Ken
Former 2009 MB owner
Re: Found Your Catalytic Converter
Reply #16 –
Yeah, but what happens when the vans leave the church parking lot?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Found Your Catalytic Converter
Reply #18 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
Yeah, but what happens when the vans leave the church parking lot?

Fair point. I would imagine that the van is not parked away from the church for long periods of time, so not a problem, so far. I suppose another way to look at this would be to ask how many LD converters are stolen while on the road (camp ground, Walmart parking lot, etc.) vs the "home" parking spot. My son in law says the 2nd theft was done after "something" was put on the converter (he doesn't know what, though, and I could only speculate). I guess the bottom line here is that the church saw the problem occurring on their property, not while on the road, and came up with a solution for them.
Ken
Former 2009 MB owner
 
Re: Found Your Catalytic Converter
Reply #19 –
Good point, Ken.  Most of the RV thefts we’ve heard about here have occurred while at storage facilities.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264