CatClamp vs. CatStrap? May 11, 2024, 08:28:56 pm As I reported in December, I had my catalytic converter stolen from my Lazy Daze mid-bath finding out right before I left for the winter in Puerto Penasco. (I just got home yesterday.) I got it fixed, but as you know I had problems with my inverter and my breaker tripping when I tried to plug in to shore power. Thanks to your suggestions and two "uh Mexican handymen" later I finally got the issue resolved. Apologies for not reporting back, but a few days later my three unit bridge came "unglued" and luckily I was able to talk to my dentist at home and found a dentist to re-cement my undamaged bridge. I then went through a bout with sciatica, but a PT in Puerto Penasco helped me with treatments and gave me exercises and now I'm "fine." However, I digress...I returned home yesterday and since I cancelled my contract with my storage facility (I was broken into/vandalized three times) I'm trying to find another facility nearer to my home. Since virtually EVERY RV storage facility in Las Cruces has had break-in's (mainly for catalytic converters) I feel I need to at least try to protect my Lazy Daze. Therefore, I've watched several videos comparing the CatClamp to the CatStrap. Yes, I know nothing is foolproof if someone really wants what isn't theirs but I want at least a good "deterrent."All of this makes me somewhat sad, as my 1998 mid-bath was the "RV of my dreams" to enjoy in my retirement. It makes me sad as I've tried to take excellent care of my investment and had the seating areas done in cream colored "pleather" and I invested in having the outside repainted. At 86,000 miles it runs great and looks good for it's age. I wish at my age I looked as well. It's just that sometimes I wonder if the added stress that goes with owning an RV is worth it. (No, I'm NOT selling!)Thanks for allowing me to vent, and my "question" is CatClamp or CatStrap? 2 Likes
Re: CatClamp vs. CatStrap? Reply #1 – May 11, 2024, 10:44:09 pm The one that Margee and I installed is called CatStrap at Don't leave your car unprotected get the CatStrap today! – Converter Reclaim . And we still have our catalytic converter so probably it’s doing it’s job.
Re: CatClamp vs. CatStrap? Reply #2 – May 11, 2024, 10:54:04 pm Quote from: Ed & Margee - May 11, 2024, 10:44:09 pmThe one that Margee and I installed is called CatStrap at Don't leave your car unprotected get the CatStrap today! – Converter Reclaim . And we still have our catalytic converter so probably it’s doing it’s job. Thanks for the input. I'm "on the fence" about which one, but I know with the rash of catalytic converters stolen blatantly from RV storage facilities in Southern New Mexico I need to "step up my game." You'd think I'm paying enough for storage, but it still happens here and often...
Re: CatClamp vs. CatStrap? Reply #3 – May 12, 2024, 01:38:17 pm I installed a CatStrap a couple of years ago. To ensure the heat-sensitive adhesive made tight contact, all the metal surfaces were sanded to remove surface rust and dirt. The cable was clamped all along the catalytic converter and the exhaust pipe on both sides of the converter. Additional clamps besides were used besides what were provided in the kit.Ten thousand miles later, the adhesive had completely failed, the clamps were all that kept the Cat Strap in place, leaving it once again an easy target.To rescue the converter, I added two steel cables (winch cable), running them through the converter's heat shield, using the same clamps that secured the Cat Strap. If I were to make choice today in adding protection for the converter today, a CatClamp would be it, the connections are all mechanical and do not depend on an adhesive that is prone to failure. It looks like a better-designed device.Larry 5 Likes
Re: CatClamp vs. CatStrap? Reply #4 – May 12, 2024, 05:31:43 pm Quote from: Larry W - May 12, 2024, 01:38:17 pmIf I were to make choice today in adding protection for the converter today, a CatClamp would be it, the connections are all mechanical and do not depend on an adhesive that is prone to failure. It looks like a better-designed device.LarryThanks for replying. I tend to agree with you after watching this YouTube video We Tested Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Products.Every RV storage facility I've called with the exception of one has had catalytic converters stolen. Therefore it becomes a question not of "if" but "when." The facility I've called (and the closest to my house) has a dump and water and in the next few weeks plans to build a cement walled structure to replace the fence that is easily cut though at most facilities. I'm going to call the muffler shop tomorrow (who replaced the catalytic converter in December) to see if they can install the CatClamp. Sadly, it's just a reality of the world we're living in...Cheryl
Re: CatClamp vs. CatStrap? Reply #5 – May 12, 2024, 07:19:53 pm All we can do is make stealing a converter so difficult that the thieves move on to a softer target.Larry 1 Likes
Re: CatClamp vs. CatStrap? Reply #6 – May 12, 2024, 07:26:15 pm Indeed - I sadly completely agree... 1 Likes
Re: CatClamp vs. CatStrap? Reply #7 – February 13, 2025, 08:15:55 pm Catstrap has a new add-on device.Kendall
Re: CatClamp vs. CatStrap? Reply #9 – February 14, 2025, 11:55:38 pm "Sadly, it's just a reality of the world we're living in".Yep, it is a sorry state of affairs Cheryl. Certainly not the world I expected to grow old in when I graduated high school in 1970. I'm sorry this is troubling you!Bill
Re: CatClamp vs. CatStrap? Reply #10 – February 15, 2025, 01:19:20 pm Quote from: RIMRIDER - February 13, 2025, 08:15:55 pmCatstrap has a new add-on device.KendallCool except I don’t want blue dye exploding on the underside of my rig if a thief attempts to cut it! 1 Likes
Re: CatClamp vs. CatStrap? Reply #11 – February 18, 2025, 04:28:40 pm Do they make a CatClamp that work for E450 RVs or are they just a general unit that fits all? We have one large Converter and two smaller ones. My guess is that you protect the Larger one. Our smaller ones are walker units and cost around $130 each so are probably not a big target? A couple years ago I brought with me to our muffler shop about 20 clamps and heavy duty cable which I had and while they were replacing one of our smaller walker Cats I asked them to clamp and cable up our big Catalytic converter with the cable and clamps. We would be making a trip to California and the South West for a few months and we thought it would be a good idea for some protection. They laughed at me and basically showed me that any way that they put in the clamps and cables it could be defeated and we should not waist money on that setup. So we did not have them do it and we did not have any issues from Portland to California to Texas and back, so we feel lucky! I would love to bring to those guys a setup that they could install and say that it would do the job? Karen~Liam 98 ~ MB NinA 2 Likes
Re: CatClamp vs. CatStrap? Reply #12 – February 18, 2025, 06:26:40 pm With many cat converters, steel cable can be routed through the converter's heat shield which is tough to remove.Yes, u-bolt clamps can be unbolted but not after tack welding nuts in place.. Anything that significantly slows a thief is likely to be helpful but not foolproof.My biggest fear with the CatClamp is finding the thieves cut two cross-members to remove the cat, taking the cage with them. That would be a BIG problem.Larry
Re: CatClamp vs. CatStrap? Reply #13 – February 18, 2025, 06:58:37 pm If I had a lift and some time I would come up with a setup with cable, clamp and some welding that would discourage most would be thieves to go elsewhere. I have tried on my back under my LD to install some cabling and clamps and to make it harder but I can not get good access to do it right. I have been told that the issue up here in PNW or at least in the area where the shop is located is not much of a problem for catalytic converters being stolen, so shops are not coming up with or installing units to prevent this kind of theft for our Motor homes. Karen~Lim 98 ~ MB NinA
Topic: CatClamp vs. CatStrap? (Read 891 times)
previous topic - next topic
Topic: CatClamp vs. CatStrap? (Read 891 times)
previous topic - next topic