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Topic: Catalytic Converter Theft (Read 363 times) previous topic - next topic
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Catalytic Converter Theft
A new report from CARFAX.   Unfortunately, my two Subarus are on the list for my location:   :(

Most Targeted Cars in the West
Location matters! The West has many of the same top targets as the national list, but the Prius sits atop the list instead of the Ford F-Series pickup, no doubt because the hybrid is incredibly popular in areas – such as California – with high gas prices and strict emissions laws. Subaru models are also popular in the mountainous regions of the West, where drivers like the standard all-wheel drive (AWD).

Cars Most Likely to Have Their Catalytic Converters Stolen in the West
2001-21 Toyota Prius
1985-2021 Ford F-Series
1989-2020 Honda Accord
1990-2022 Ford Econoline
1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado
2007-20 Subaru Outback
2007-17 Jeep Patriot
2003-11 Honda Element
1998-2020 Subaru Forester
1995-2021 Toyota Tacoma

Source:  Catalytic Converter Theft: 10 Most Targeted Vehicles - CARFAX
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #1
Cat Strap actually just sent me one of their new E450 RV devices in exchange for a video review. I’ll be posting it soon once I get a chance to do the install. The owner knew of the Lazy Daze brand and was happy to have me help spread the word to our community.
Joe B.
2008 26ft  grey/white Rear Bath
Family of 5 hitting the open road as much as we can.



Re: Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #4
It would be interesting to see if there is any data that the regular CatStrap is stopping theft.  Have catalytic converters been stolen with the regular CatStrap on the unit? 
Ron and Linda
Ada Michigan

Re: Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #5
Joe -Bought the cat strap max and will install it next week.  Thanks for your You Tube video!  Super job.

We agree that it will be a good deterrent; better than the one strap products.  We saw a video where a guy bought a catalytic converter to test the one strap version and it only slowed the “theft” down by about 90 secs.
Don & Tery
2022 MB 27.5 towing a 2017 Wrangler

Re: Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #6
. . . .  We saw a video where a guy bought a catalytic converter to test the one strap version and it only slowed the “theft” down by about 90 secs.
I wonder how many thieves will roll under the rig,  see what's there, and say "it's only a one-strap, and just and extra minute and a half" as opposed to "X#*@%#, another strapped one,  let's try the next one"
 ;)
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE

Re: Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #7
Thanks for the kind words and glad the video was helpful! I think the RV Max catstrap is a pretty strong deterrent. It could be cut but it’s a giant pain in the butt and just about any thief is going to move on to an unsecured converter.

Joe -Bought the cat strap max and will install it next week.  Thanks for your You Tube video!  Super job.

We agree that it will be a good deterrent; better than the one strap products.  We saw a video where a guy bought a catalytic converter to test the one strap version and it only slowed the “theft” down by about 90 secs.
Joe B.
2008 26ft  grey/white Rear Bath
Family of 5 hitting the open road as much as we can.

Re: Catalytic Converter Theft
Reply #8
Thieves want easy so I think a good deterrent. 

I wanted to install one after thieves almost stole my converter but could not find a shop willing to install.   I asked at least three shops who also seemed not to believe in them.   Probably selling new converters is better for their business.      I caught thieves in the act and chased them away just as they were about finished.    They did hack up one end of the converter pretty bad but I felt existing converter could be repaired.    After almost giving up after asking 6 or so muffler shops I found one to  repair for $200 and the welding looks great.  Again they're all in to sell you a new one for $2k and forget about a genuine Ford converter.

Lazy Daze Facebook group I was reading where the after market Catalytic Converts have no real value as to precious minerals.   Not sure if this is true?  I also think marking converter with bright color is a good idea.
2001 MB
* Not to be confused with Larry W (3000 of my posts are actually from expert Larry W due to Yahoo transition mis-step)