Catalytic Converter stolen

Rowbear08 · 07-17-2023, 08:25 AM

Back in Feb '22 our catalytic converter was stolen (cut away from our) '08 Itasca Cambria. We have been waiting since then for a replacement which was ordered by a Ford Dealer. We are in southern California. We are told that these converters are hard to get as the theft and black market of them is rampant.
Does anybody have any experience or ideas as to getting one ?
Thankyou.

BirchyBoy · 07-17-2023, 09:00 AM

Have you gone to a muffler shop and looked at aftermarket brands?

**creativepart** · 07-17-2023, 09:13 AM

Lots of us have had this scourge. I've had mine stolen twice.

The first time was in Aug 2021 and it was fast to get an OEM part. It took maybe 5-days. The second time was July 2022 and it took 45-days to get the OEM part.

The first time it cost $2,700 for the repair and the second time it cost $4,000. Both times covered by insurance, but Progressive balked at that high price. They did end up paying it.

Seems the repair shop bought a replacement part at full retail via the internet to get the job done. That's why it cost so much. I know at the time there were folks selling OEM F53 cat converters for $3400 online.

About the only choice is to wait... or buy a sub-par "universal" part. Though most of those don't have the oxygen sensor port you need built in.

I have no idea what the wait time is now. and I've installed a "Cat Strap" in the hopes of not ever finding out again.

BobC · 07-17-2023, 09:35 AM

Miy Workhorse has two CATs, both of which were stolen in two separate events. I haven't been able to use my MH for a number of other reasons so I haven't had them replaced yet. The storage yard has been hit several times so I don't see any reason to replace them only to have them stolen again. I'm seriously considering a Cat Strap.

**Eagle5** · 07-17-2023, 10:06 AM

Hi Rowbear08,
One and a half years is the longest wait I have ever heard of for a replacement catalytic converter. As BirchyBoy suggests, it is time to fire the Ford dealer and go to a muffler shop and get it repaired. Also, as Creativepart & BobC suggest, you probably should get a CatStrap; here is how I installed mine:
CatStrap Installation on a Minnie Winnie 22M
I am sure a muffler shop could install the CatStrap for you.
Thanks, Eagle5

**creativepart** · 07-17-2023, 10:15 AM

I looked online and found no 2008 F53 cats, but it's possible, very possible that your chassis was built in 2007. Winnebago orders chassis, stacks them in a yard and then when all are delivered they start building. One year is super common. Sometimes it's two years.

You can run the VIN number and it will tell you if your chassis is 2007 or 2008 OR you can look at the placard on the wall next to the driver's seat. It will have the model year for the chassis.

I mention this... because 2007 Cats for F53 chassis seem to be available for not much money.

https://mufflerexpress.com/collectio...-ford-f53/2007

**creativepart** · 07-17-2023, 10:22 AM

Further looking I found this Ford part. Says it's for 2007-2008 - $3000.

https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts...tra2=&filter=()

Rowbear08 · 07-18-2023, 08:20 AM

Did initially , but the shop (independant small shop) was not much help..told us after a wait that we hadn't given him the vin number ... we had, so that is when I went to the Ford people. I may try again with another shop...thank you for your suggestion. I'm really pleased and thankful that a number of people have offered help.

Rowbear08 · 07-18-2023, 08:22 AM

Thank you BobC... I will have a look at the Catstrap. ��

Rowbear08 · 07-18-2023, 08:35 AM

Thank you Eagle5.. we have paid Ford $500. deposit when they initially ordered the part... not sure if they will refund us. When talking to the manager he's assuring us that the shortage is pretty widespread and that trying to source it anywhere else will yield the same results. He also said that he is trying to source it in the aftermarket market as well. I am going to pursue this and bring copies of some helpful suggestions from this forum to him. I will look at the Catstrap and keep on the Ford dealer as well. "creativepart" has some info that I'm going to pursue also.
I am very appreciative of all the help on this forum, including yours.
Cheers

Rowbear08 · 07-18-2023, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by creativepart

Further looking I found this Ford part. Says it's for 2007-2008 - $3000.

https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts...tra2=&filter=()

Hi creativepart,.. thank you...you have been so helpful and I very much appreciate it.
The chassis is indeed an '07 and the dealer is aware of this, having the vin # etc. The engine is a V-10 in a Ford E-450. I don't know if part of the problem is being in California and their epa regulations are different from elsewhere.( there's a lot different from elsewhere �� ). We've friends and family that have moved to Texas ��.
It is indeed frustrating to be waiting all this time and I imagine there are a lot of "frustrated " people out there.
I most certainly appreciate the links you have provided and I am going to bring this info to the dealer and ask if he has investigated these avenues. He seems to be genuine in his concern for getting the cat and has stated that he is looking into the aftermarket as well.
The catstrap has been mentioned a few times and I will probably get one..... if I ever get the cat to strap.��.
Again thank you...Cheers.

**Eagle5** · 07-18-2023, 08:58 AM

Hi again Rowbear08,
The phenomenal delays in being able to get a vehicle repaired is why these these catalytic converter thefts are a double-crime. They still your money and they steal your time! Your delay is a record-setter, to be sure. I really hope you can get your catalytic converter replaced soon; we have some good camping weather out there!
Thanks, Eagle5

Rowbear08 · 07-18-2023, 09:06 AM

Happy Camping out there Eagle5, I appreciate the good wishes.

Farco · 07-19-2023, 10:43 AM

It’s getting to the point where you need motion detector cameras mounted under there. Maybe even automatic bear spray nozzles��

**creativepart** · 07-19-2023, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Farco

It’s getting to the point where you need motion detector cameras mounted under there. Maybe even automatic bear spray nozzles

Actually, Cat Strap has something like the "bear spray" idea now with the DyeDefender: Exploding Dye Guard Add-On for Catstrap -

https://www.catstrap.net/product-page/dyedefender

Lette · 07-19-2023, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by creativepart

Actually, Cat Strap has something like the "bear spray" idea now with the DyeDefender: Exploding Dye Guard Add-On for Catstrap -

https://www.catstrap.net/product-page/dyedefender

Thats awesome!! Electrocution would be nice too....:-)

QUESTION: Where are these being stolen? At home or in the campgrounds ???

**creativepart** · 07-19-2023, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lette

QUESTION: Where are these being stolen? At home or in the campgrounds ???

In RV Storage lots, on dealer repair lots and any public parking lot.

Car catalytic converters are stolen in driveways, parking lots, dealer lots and on street curbs.

BobC · 07-19-2023, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by creativepart

In RV Storage lots, on dealer repair lots and any public parking lot.

Car catalytic converters are stolen in driveways, parking lots, dealer lots and on street curbs.

When I made my police report, I asked about other storage yards and was told that none, even the most high end yards were vulnerable. MHs are especially vulnerable since their CATs are so accessible and exposed.

BobC · 07-20-2023, 08:18 AM

I'm beginning to wish I still had a TT with a truck I could keep at home.

**creativepart** · 07-20-2023, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobC

I'm beginning to wish I still had a TT with a truck I could keep at home.

Big Pickup Trucks are a prime target of Cat thieves... even more than motorhomes.