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Topic: photo of Cat for E450 TK 24 ft. (Read 759 times) previous topic - next topic
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photo of Cat for E450 TK 24 ft.
Hi

Would someone with a 24 ft TK near in age to 2013 E450-- be willing to crawl under your LD and take a photo of the Cat converter so we can get an idea of how much exhaust pipe is missing?  A photo with a measuring tape or yard stick would be IDEAL. 

Shops here are overwhelmed.  The local Ford dealer nearest to us has ordered 1000 Cats.  YEP you read that right ONE THOUSAND.   And there are at least 6 dealers in this area.  And the wait time is approx 5 to 6 months.

We are trying to find out  how much work in involved in fixing this. 
And reluctantly looking at after market brands and local tire shops to do the retro fit or a mechanic friend to do the install if it is a simple clamp or glue job.

Our CAT is gone and all we have a big gap. and have no idea how much exhaust pipe the perp cut off.

 Please post a PM or post on the forum.

Thanks much!
2013 TK
Re: photo of Cat for E450 TK 24 ft.
Reply #1 –
Our 2003 24' FDL has the same exhaust system as a T/K.
\
Cat Strap with extra clamps and cables.

I will try to measure it later today.
While you wait for a replacement, have a temporary straight pipe installed, it could be a long time.

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: photo of Cat for E450 TK 24 ft.
Reply #2 –
Thanks Larry.  I am very interested in how the exhaust end of the cat connects to the tailpipe in front of the muffler.  Looks like a weld.

Right now I have a 26" gap.  They cut about 1" behind the flange and about 26" further back.


Corky

2013 TK
Re: photo of Cat for E450 TK 24 ft.
Reply #3 –
Larry,

Like yourself, I used clamps every 10” or so to secure my LD Cat Strap. I noticed that your clamps are susceptible to removal using a wrench. Mine are similarly installed.

On my Sequoia, I added pipe clamps in place of the metal zip ties Cat Strap provided. This was done after a couple of years of the Cat Straps initial installation when some fiend attempted the strap removal and cat theft. I also welded the nuts of the pipe clamps to better secure them from easy removal.

ASAP I will weld the nuts on the LDs cat straps. Until then the RB is parked outside my kitchen window.

Just sayin’

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: photo of Cat for E450 TK 24 ft.
Reply #4 –
Corky, these shots might help. Good luck! — Jon
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄
Re: photo of Cat for E450 TK 24 ft.
Reply #5 –
Quote from: Kent Heckethorn  - 
Like yourself, I used clamps every 10” or so to secure my LD Cat Strap. I noticed that your clamps are susceptible to removal using a wrench. Mine are similarly installed.
The CatStrap is a discouragement effort. Generally if it won't come off with a Sawzall in a few seconds, they will likely move on. I added jamnuts to ours to discourage the single-wrench thieves as well.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: photo of Cat for E450 TK 24 ft.
Reply #6 –
Looks like the company is now selling what they call the "RV Max Protect Catstrap Kit" made especially for the Ford E-450 chassis.  That kit was not available when I bought the catstrip for our LD last May. 

RV Max Protect Catstrap Kit (Class A & C RVs) | catstrap
Paul
2010 MB (2011-present)                                                                                        
1994 Multiplan (1997-2010)
Re: photo of Cat for E450 TK 24 ft.
Reply #7 –
Thanks for the pictures Jon!

Thanks for the other suggestions as well-the CatStrap is looking good.  I am thinking of ordering one for the pickup to see what it looks like and try it out.  It will be a while before I get a Cat for the LD (5 to 6 months) for OEM

There was a news segment on stolen cats yesterday.  Basically, the police are not even trying to find the stolen CATS saying there is no way to match them up to the rightful owners so..... ::)  ???  ???  The reporter asked if they had found any stolen cats, and he said UH....not that I know of....

We have to figure out a solution on our own.

BTW, we were referred to two local muffler shops who said they had a Magnaflow Cat that would fit our LD.  Same time we contacted Magnaflow who said they do NOT make a unit that fits the 450.  BEWARE!  Needless to say, Magnaflow is off the table.

Meanwhile, CATCO said theirs fits the 450.  So now we have to decide whether to wait for the OEM, or go with the CATCO.

Many thanks to my LD bros for the info and photos. 
2013 TK
Re: photo of Cat for E450 TK 24 ft.
Reply #8 –
Our 98~MB Superduty has two Catalytic converters, do the E450s just have one?  Maybe ours was modified?

   Karen~Liam
    98 ~ MB
      NinA
1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: photo of Cat for E450 TK 24 ft.
Reply #9 –
Has anyone used a "local" shop (in or near Ventura County, CA) to install a CAT STRAP?
2013 27’ Mid-Bath
2005 Honda CR-V
Re: photo of Cat for E450 TK 24 ft.
Reply #11 –
Would anyone know the size of exhaust clamps needed for a 2009 E450 to install a Catstrap?  I've ordered a Catstrap and need to buy 4 exhaust clamps for the installation.  Thanks in advance.

Footnote:  My plan is to crawl under the LD tomorrow and measure the exhaust pipe and then visit the auto part store to buy the exhaust clamps.  The crawl will take some time since most of my parts hurts most of the time these days.  Nevertheless, it will allow to me to study the catalytic converter and plan how Margee and I will install the Catstrap.
Re: photo of Cat for E450 TK 24 ft.
Reply #14 –
Quote from: Ed & Margee  - 
Would anyone know the size of exhaust clamps needed for a 2009 E450 to install a Catstrap?  I've ordered a Catstrap and need to buy 4 exhaust clamps for the installation.  Thanks in advance.

Make it more difficult for potential thieves by installing more than four clamps, the clamps are what secure the cat to the rest of the exhaust system. I used about ten of them.

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: photo of Cat for E450 TK 24 ft.
Reply #15 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
Make it more difficult for potential thieves by installing more than four clamps, the clamps are what secure the cat to the rest of the exhaust system. I used about ten of them.

I must admit that I didn't consider using more than 4 clamps ... more clamps is an excellent suggestion.  Thank you Larry.
Re: photo of Cat for E450 TK 24 ft.
Reply #16 –
Good idea, Larry.  Clamps are cheap;  cats not so much!
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: photo of Cat for E450 TK 24 ft.
Reply #17 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
Good idea, Larry.  Clamps are cheap;  cats not so much!

The heat-activated glue has failed on our LD's Cat Strap, the clamps, along with two additional steel cables running through the cat's heat shield, are what is securing the cat. On return from our Wyoming trip, the strap was detached.

When I installed the Cat Strap, I had 50' of unused steel winch cable, it was cut and two full-length cables were snaked through the catalytic converter's heat shield and clamp along the length of the exhaust, along with the Cat Strap.
It will make it more interesting for someone trying to steal it.



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: photo of Cat for E450 TK 24 ft.
Reply #18 –
That's a Great Idea Larry,
I have more than 50' left of 1/4" cable from restringing a 42' X12' door.  We have two Cats on our 98~MB so I may while I am under tightening the frame to house bolts string some cable and clamps on our two Cats.  Anything to deter theft is a good idea especially when traveling and stopping in places where the we could be exposed.

    Karen~Liam
      98 ~ MB
        NinA
1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: photo of Cat for E450 TK 24 ft.
Reply #19 –
Done!  It took 4 hands and it wasn’t a bit entertaining.  Now what?   Motrin, a shower and a well earned nap.   Final thought … good luck low-life, bottom feeding thieves.  😇
 
Re: photo of Cat for E450 TK 24 ft.
Reply #20 –
Quote from: Ed & Margee  - 
Done!  It took 4 hands and it wasn’t a bit entertaining. 

Now that's impressive!  I ordered and received the CatStrap kit last week and picked up some exhaust clamps.   With inspiration from previous posts on this thread and the over-confidence provided by YouTube videos, I crawled under our LD.  Then the line "I ain't as good as I once was..." from that Toby Keith song came into my head.  I came to my senses, made an appointment with my "RV place" and had it installed by them today.  It took them 0.6 labor hours ($96) - "I'm as good once as I ever was..."   Oh, and I had a fine breakfast with a fellow member of the Great Lakes Lazy Daze Group.    
Glenn & Joan Lambert
Redford, MI
2017 27' Mid-Bath