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Old 01-21-2021, 05:15 AM   #1
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Catalytic Converter theft deterrent

Inspired (or frightened?) by the recent catalytic converter theft post, I paid a visit to my local muffler shop. They welded on a cage and a series of steel rods that makes it extremely difficult to cut out the CC. They certainly won’t be able to do it with a battery powered sawzall.

Paid the shop $480 because I appreciated their fast service and wanted to support small business. I didn’t shop around but I did notice that the security device on the market costs almost $700 without installation.

Here are the before and after pics.
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Old 01-21-2021, 11:54 AM   #2
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Looks good; but I hope that you never get to find out just how good!
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Old 01-21-2021, 12:23 PM   #3
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Angry

A bunch of catalytic converters were stolen from RVs at the storage facility where we have a storage locker. It's amazing to me that cameras can catch a crystal clear picture of you going 60 mph on a roller coaster, but the pictures from the security cameras there look like a Picasso painting.

Our RV wasn't affected because it's parked at home, where it's covered by motion detecting lights and cameras monitored by yours truly along with my good friends, Mr. Smith and Mr. Wesson.
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Old 01-21-2021, 02:59 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by Popfla View Post
A bunch of catalytic converters were stolen from RVs at the storage facility where we have a storage locker. It's amazing to me that cameras can catch a crystal clear picture of you going 60 mph on a roller coaster, but the pictures from the security cameras there look like a Picasso painting.



Our RV wasn't affected because it's parked at home, where it's covered by motion detecting lights and cameras monitored by yours truly along with my good friends, Mr. Smith and Mr. Wesson.


Cameras are not especially helpful anyway. The BGs wear hoodies, masks and gloves so even with a clear picture about all you can tell is whether she’s got a limp. When I reported my theft the policeman said he’s even seen crooks wave at the camera.
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Old 01-21-2021, 04:04 PM   #5
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California cat theft is on the rise.
In the socialist state of CA...any crime of less than $1,000 is a misdemeanor. So there's no deterrent.

The favorite vehicle is a Generation 2 Toyota Prius (2005-2009)
Because the vehicle runs very clean, the precious metals inside the cat is much less damaged. Hence, the stolen cat is worth more $$$.

Unfortunately...most 2005-2009 Toyota Prius have a market value of much less than $5,000.
So a cat theft with an insurance replacement of $1,000 or more, in many instances, "total's out" the vehicle.
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Old 01-21-2021, 04:13 PM   #6
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It may be everywhere. It is here in our great GOP state of Tennessee
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Old 01-21-2021, 05:40 PM   #7
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My 2019 F53 cost $2,000 to replace stock. The problem is so bad right now that Ford has a 3 month back order.
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Old 01-21-2021, 06:01 PM   #8
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My 2019 F53 cost $2,000 to replace stock. The problem is so bad right now that Ford has a 3 month back order.

Pete, I read your post on the other thread and it was the deciding factor. I'm preparing for my first cross country trip in March and don't want to have this nonsense victimize me. I also have the 2019 F53 chassis.
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Old 01-21-2021, 11:18 PM   #9
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Pete, I read your post on the other thread and it was the deciding factor. I'm preparing for my first cross country trip in March and don't want to have this nonsense victimize me. I also have the 2019 F53 chassis.


I hope it works. I moved to a new storage yard that I think will be more secure and I’ll be adding a Catstrap and alarm when the weather warms up. Leaving in a few weeks for a snowbird trip. Hope nobody pinches it again before we leave!!
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Old 01-21-2021, 11:39 PM   #10
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Pete,
You need to put your pet wolf on patrol around your RV...
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Old 01-22-2021, 12:22 AM   #11
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Pete,

You need to put your pet wolf on patrol around your RV...


This is my beast. Do think he’s up to the task??
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Old 01-22-2021, 12:58 AM   #12
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Probably do a better job than mine! :lo
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Old 01-27-2021, 10:07 PM   #13
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Cheaper and easier to reduce your comprehensive deductible. It can differ from your collision deductible and can be inexpensive.
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Old 01-27-2021, 11:06 PM   #14
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Changing deductibles really just shifts the timeline of when you're paying for the loss...
And you'll still have to,suffer the lost time; while it's being replaced...
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Old 01-28-2021, 01:39 AM   #15
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In old days when cats were a new thing we had test pipes so exhaust could be tested for tuning. We of course used them to get around having one but had to change back when inspection came around. I wonder if that would work here. Remove convertor,install a temp pipe to drive to storage. You could start RV up to charge batteries etc. Before traveling or inspection re-install cat.
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Old 01-28-2021, 01:45 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Renato View Post
Inspired (or frightened?) by the recent catalytic converter theft post, I paid a visit to my local muffler shop. They welded on a cage and a series of steel rods that makes it extremely difficult to cut out the CC. They certainly won’t be able to do it with a battery powered sawzall.

Paid the shop $480 because I appreciated their fast service and wanted to support small business. I didn’t shop around but I did notice that the security device on the market costs almost $700 without installation.

Here are the before and after pics.

cripppies no wonder the rv is an easy target, lots of room to wiggle around under there.
you need a pitbull with aids guarding the rv
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Old 01-28-2021, 02:08 AM   #17
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Originally Posted by oleflier View Post
In old days when cats were a new thing we had test pipes so exhaust could be tested for tuning. We of course used them to get around having one but had to change back when inspection came around. I wonder if that would work here. Remove convertor,install a temp pipe to drive to storage. You could start RV up to charge batteries etc. Before traveling or inspection re-install cat.


There’s an oxygen sensor in the converter so you’d have to find a way to fool the computer or live with the check engine light and some level of mixture variance. On my chassis the OE converter is part of an assembly of pipes that’s about 4 feet long. But taking it out and putting it back in would be pretty simple. Two bolts in front and a slip joint in the back. If it happens very many more times I’ll have to consider other solutions. I’ll also be willing to consider cheaper universal solutions if this becomes a recurring problem. As with most RV issues this one has been an interesting learning experience. I’m certainly glad it happened to me in winter instead of spring or summer!
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Old 01-28-2021, 02:17 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by oleflier View Post
In old days when cats were a new thing we had test pipes so exhaust could be tested for tuning. We of course used them to get around having one but had to change back when inspection came around. I wonder if that would work here. Remove convertor,install a temp pipe to drive to storage. You could start RV up to charge batteries etc. Before traveling or inspection re-install cat.
What a total pain in the arse that would be to have to change out exhaust parts every time you put the rig in storage! It really pisses me off that we have to come up with stuff like this to thwart thieves! Or have to pay a guy at a muffler shop to weld a cage around an exhaust system!
My rig is parked next to my drive and our 80 lb German Shepard mix barks when the guy three doors down starts his car up for work in the morning. He's got ears like a mother in law! Only problem if someone forked with my RV's exhaust and I turned the dog loose on them they would probably sue me for the medical bills!
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Old 03-26-2021, 06:22 PM   #19
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Paint Cat Converter with Bright Orange or Yellow

Article I came across...

Sgt. Fite recommends spraying your whole catalytic converter, end to end, with bright, high-temperature paint.

"If they’re going to try to sell that, they’re going to have to scrap all of that paint off," he explains.

That’s the cheapest option. The paint will run you anywhere from $6 to $10.



https://www.khou.com/article/news/crime/this-6-fix-could-deter-catalytic-converter
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Old 03-26-2021, 06:45 PM   #20
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That's not a half-bad idea...
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