Last updated on June 23rd, 2023 at 12:37 pm
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Have you heard of catalytic converters when it comes to your car? What about when it comes to your RV? If you’re new to RVing and you’ve recently purchased your first adventure rig, a catalytic converter is likely the last thing on your mind! However, it’s vital to know if your rig has one as often they are targets of theft.
So, do RVs have catalytic converters?
Yes, some RVs do have catalytic converters, and these little devices are key to keeping your rig on the road! Drivable RVs such as Class A, Class B, and Class C rigs have catalytic converters which help take care of the exhaust, turning harmful fumes into water vapor and safer gases.
But what types of RVs have catalytic converters, and what do these even do? Let’s take a look!
What Does A Catalytic Converter Do?
Catalytic converters do indeed convert, and they are key to controlling your vehicle’s exhaust. They are designed to turn harmful carbon monoxide fumes into carbon dioxide and water. Catalytic converters are found on traditional fuel-based vehicles as well as diesel. Their diesel counterparts are a bit more complicated, but do essentially the same thing: convert the exhaust!
These key components of any transmission are usually easy to spot, located beneath your vehicle between the engine and exhaust systems. While crawling under your rig may not be your favorite activity, it’s smart to know where these pipe-like components are located!
You may not have been aware of a catalytic converter on your rig, and that’s a good thing. These little guys are designed to do their job with little to no maintenance, and you will notice there’s a problem if your rig starts up a lot louder than usual. But more on that a bit later.
What Types Of RVs Have Catalytic Converters?
You may have already guessed, but the type of rig that has a catalytic converter is a rig with an engine. Do you own a travel trailer, fifth wheel, or any other type of rig that requires a tow vehicle? Then you’re free to ignore this; your rig does not have a catalytic converter, as it has no engine, transmission, or exhaust!
Class A, class B, and class C rigs will have catalytic converters, and if you’re road-tripping in any other van or truck, you’ll have these helpful parts too. If you have an engine, you have catalytic converters, as it is unsafe to operate a vehicle that doesn’t have these installed. Depending on your rig, you may have a more complicated diesel catalytic converter, as many motorhomes utilize diesel fuel.
Depending on the size and capabilities of your rig, you may have more than one catalytic converter. My tow vehicle, a Toyota Tundra, has two, nearby one another. Motorhomes can require multiple catalytic converters as well, depending on their size. It’s easy to see where they are; simply get underneath your rig and search for these pipe-like components between your engine and exhaust systems!
Catalytic Converter Maintenance
As I mentioned before, there shouldn’t be much maintenance needed for your catalytic converters. They should operate as intended unless there is a severe issue. However, there are some maintenance options out there for you should you be hoping to keep your catalytic converters running for years to come!
On paper, a catalytic converter is meant to last around 100,000 miles or roughly ten years. However, some vehicle owners never need to replace these key parts, so maintenance isn’t always a necessity. This is nice to know, as there’s always plenty to take care of with an RV, especially a motorhome!
You can purchase some catalytic converter cleaners, though the reviews are mixed in terms of their effectiveness. More often than not, catalytic converters struggle because something in the transmission or engine is struggling first. You may get a check engine light for your catalytic converter’s performance, but it rarely ends up being the part that needs replacing!
Some signs to keep an eye out for should you be worried about your catalytic converter include:
- Louder than usual start-up noise (like a Harley motorcycle, more often than not)
- Hard and rough start-ups
- A smelly, unfamiliar scent, like rotten eggs
- Less acceleration and power
- Bad gas mileage
Properly maintaining your catalytic converter often involves total preventative care rather than a magic potion. For example, your rig will always benefit from safe driving, and your catalytic converters will thank you for this too! Physical damage from rough roads, branches, debris, etc. can be a huge cause of failing catalytic converters.
Catalytic converters can also get clogged, leading to the melting or overheating of their internal parts. This is where a cleaning solution could come in handy, but, as I said, the reviews are mixed on whether or not these work. Physical damage should be the most of your worries, so make sure to avoid bad spots in the road on your next trip, if you’re able!
Catalytic Converter Problems
Technology and components in our rigs are great when they work and not so much when they throw the towel in! It’s okay to have some hiccups with your catalytic converter, and sometimes these can actually be caused by another issue somewhere else in the system.
A big concern with RV catalytic converters is the risk of overheating, and this can happen at any time if the oxygen sensor is broken, the engine is running for too long, or a blockage due to engine oil. Because catalytic converters are typically located under the hood, this makes them susceptible to dust, grime, and debris from driving, so it’s wise to try and keep them clean.
Catalytic Converter Theft
The biggest concern that you should have about your catalytic converter is how easy it is to steal. Catalytic converter thefts are sweeping the nation, from thousands of city Priuses to hundreds of RVs parked in dealer lots. These parts are being stolen just for the precious metals involved in making them. A huge pain for anyone who owns a car, especially knowing that their catalytic converter is just being melted down for scrap!
Catalytic converters take less than ten minutes to steal, and even less time than that if someone is a professional at this. Not to say that stealing is a valid profession, but many cities across the U.S. have experienced serial catalytic converter thefts. So many have been stolen that new laws have been passed and are continually being passed to try and dissuade catalytic converter thieves!
Trucks and other high-clearance vehicles are hit just as often as Priuses, the main car targeted in cities. Trucks and high-clearance vehicles are targeted for exactly how they sound: their high clearance. Plus, beefier trucks often have more than one catalytic converter, which means even more cash for a thief.
If you have comprehensive car insurance, chances are your catalytic converter theft will be covered. Many police forces aren’t doing much to prevent catalytic converter robberies because of this, and because there isn’t much that can be done in terms of tracking the stolen parts. While you may think catalytic converter theft only applies to standard cars and trucks, you might want to rethink and protect your motorhome as well.
Are RVs Having Their Catalytic Converters Stolen?
RVs and motorhomes with catalytic converters are huge targets for theft, as rigs are often left in storage or generally unattended for many months out of the year. Whether it’s an RV brand new on the lot, a slew of rigs being stored at an outdoor facility, or your motorhome parked in your covered driveway, catalytic converters have been stolen.
What can be done? There’s no such thing as peace of mind if a catalytic converter can be stolen in minutes, right from the comfort of your driveway. Plus, if you rent an RV storage site, your catalytic converter can also be stolen from their supposedly protected lot. These parts are such a hot commodity right now, their ease of access being the biggest appeal to thieves!
Take a breath, no need to run out and check on your rig right this second. There are some preventative measures you can take, and we’ll dive into those next! Simply living outside of a city or heavily populated area should help your chances a bit, though this is a nationwide phenomenon.
What can you realistically do to prevent your catalytic converters from being stolen out from under your rig? Let’s check it out together!
How To Prevent RV Catalytic Converter Theft?
There are a number of precautions you can choose, depending on your financial situation and desire to prevent theft. RV catalytic converters have been stolen in any situation, from a driveway to a campground. These options may help you sleep easier at night.
Invest In Comprehensive RV Insurance Coverage
Ever since I lived in Portland, OR, I’ve invested in comprehensive insurance for my vehicle. I’ve had things stolen from inside, and an entire car taken from the street outside my home. Police are often too busy to bother finding stolen cars in a city, so I knew a comprehensive insurance plan with a low deductible was a must for me and my vehicles.
If any parts are stolen from your RV, you can have them replaced and paid for with comprehensive insurance. While insurance claims often drive up the cost of your overall policy, paying for a low deductible isn’t a bad idea, especially if you are traveling to places you’re unfamiliar with or are nervous about.
RV insurance is a must for me as a full-timer, but it might not have been something you’ve considered before. I highly recommend it, for the safety of you and your passengers as well as other travelers on the road. Insurance, especially comprehensive, is a must if you’re worried about paying for replacement parts!
Get A Protective Metal Plate
If the products weren’t on backorder, I’d be getting a proper skid plate for my Toyota Tundra right away! Protective metal plates are on the rise for preventing catalytic converter theft, as these are the best ways of deterring thieves looking for an easy steal. While these plates may not be made for your specific RV, I recommend talking to your local RV repair shops or dealerships about options.
These metal plates attach easily to the underside of your vehicle or rig, usually held by strong bolts. Most catalytic converter thefts happen with a very specific cutting tool; the robbers cut the pipe with ease and are in and out quickly. A heavy metal plate completely covering access to catalytic converters is an excellent deterrent!
I hope that skid plates are available for RVs and motorhomes, but I’m not sure if they are at this point. More often than not, these plates weigh at least 50 pounds for a truck, let alone a large motorhome. Adding extra weight to your rig may not be ideal, but it could be worth it, especially if you plan to store your RV for a long period of time.
It may seem like a pain, but there’s always the option of temporarily installing a skid plate while you’re storing your rig, and removing it while you’re on the road. However, I definitely advocate for a permanent installation, as catalytic converters have been stolen from parking lots in broad daylight!
CatClamps Or Other Wire Options May Work
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There’s a popular product available out there called CatClamps. This ingenious invention clamps to your catalytic converter and makes it basically impossible for anyone to cut it out of your vehicle or rig. They form a cage around the pipe, made of heavy-grade airplane wire. These can fit most motorhome catalytic converters as well, not only conventional vehicles!
The reviews are mixed, but if you’re gearing up for a big trip and don’t have time to install anything more severe or update your insurance policy, these should do in a pinch. The price point should be right for most RV owners, especially when you consider the cost of replacing a catalytic converter!
You may also have luck bringing your rig to a muffler or RV repair shop and requesting heavy-duty wire be welded to your catalytic converter. This airplane wire can’t be easily cut through, and welding it permanently is a cost-effective alternative that many muffler shops have offered to their customers.
Permanently welding your CatClamp product is also a good idea, if you can. While they do work without having them welded, many reviewers mention that the cage rattles and bounces while they drive, often causing more annoyance than they’re worth. Something to keep in mind, should you be seeking last-minute fixes!
Buy A Specialized Vibration Alarm
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This little gadget from Wsdcam is a game changer. Sometimes an alarm is enough of a deterrent for thieves, especially if you plan on storing your RV outside your primary residence. This alarm could be a total game changer for campers, as it’s portable, removable, and has many other features as shown in the video below:
This anti-theft alarm triggered by vibration, with up to 113 dB loud alarm sound can help to deter thieves effectively, provide additional security and give you peace of mind when your vehicles are parked at home or outdoors. There are 7 levels of adjustable sensitivity from gentle touch to push or beat. While it should be removed before you take your rig out camping, this alarm can be easily reinstalled while you park at the store or elsewhere!
These alarms can be sensitive, so I don’t recommend leaving them armed while you’re occupying your rig. However, having one isn’t a bad idea, especially given its fair price point. Plus, you could get multiple and attach them to your various recreational items too, such as bikes, kayaks, etc. The loud alarm should be enough of a deterrent for a skittish thief, and if you’re a light sleeper like me, it’ll definitely wake you if you’re nearby!
While this probably won’t help if your rig is being stored, this is my top recommendation to prevent catalytic converter theft. It is cost-effective, easy to install, easy to operate, and most importantly loud. Pop it right onto your catalytic converter for sensitive arming capabilities, and remove it before you hit the road.
Park In A Secure Area
When you’ve been munching miles in your RV all day and arrive at a wild spot or campground, you may not be thinking much about the surrounding area or neighborhood you’re in. However, something I’ve learned in the past few years of life on the road is to always take in your surroundings and move on if you sense something is off.
It’s no secret catalytic converters are directly targeted by thieves, but one way to help prevent a theft from happening in the first place is to park in a well-lit, safe, and secure area. Parking an RV near street lights or at a locked-in campground can improve security tenfold so the likelihood of getting the catalytic converter stolen from your rig is far less likely.
Purchase A Security Camera
It may seem like overkill, but if you’re worried about the catalytic converter being stolen on your RV, it may be worth investing in a security camera. Many security cameras can be controlled and operated remotely from a cell phone. This means even if you’re out for a hike or dog walk, you can check in and see what’s happening back at the RV.
What To Do If RV Catalytic Converter Is Stolen?
So, you’ve been out hiking for the day and you return to your rig, start it up, and you notice it’s both louder and smellier than usual. You take a look under your RV and your heart sinks – your RV catalytic converter has been stolen!
What should you do?
For starters, any vehicle that has been tampered with and had the catalytic converter removed should NOT be driven. As frustrating as this is, especially if you’ve got the entire family on board your RV for summer vacation, it’s the safest option, and driving without one isn’t legal in the US. The best thing to do after you realize your catalytic converter has been stolen, is to ring the police and your insurance company so you can move forward and try to get a new one fitted.
Once your rig is all sorted and you have a new converter, I can’t stress enough how vital it is to protect it from being stolen again! Simple precautions such as alarms, cameras, and a metal plate can help keep your rig secure so thieves won’t stand a chance!
Closing Thoughts
Not all RVs have catalytic converters since these auto parts deal solely with exhaust from an engine. However, knowing that you have one and what it might mean for the life of your RV is important. If you own a motorhome or other rig with an engine, take care of your catalytic converters, especially from theft. They’re more well-known than you think!