CatStrap: The Ultimate Solution for Preventing Catalytic Converter Theft

Catalytic converter theft has become a concerning issue affecting vehicle owners nationwide. These valuable emissions control devices are stolen due to the precious metals they contain. The increasing prices of these metals have led to a surge in thefts, as thieves target catalytic converters for their monetary value. The thefts are quick, burdening vehicle owners with high replacement costs and compromised vehicle performance. Fortunately, an innovative solution called CatStrap Catalytic Converter Theft Deterrent has emerged. This blog post aims to delve into what CatStrap is, how it functions, and why it stands out as The Ultimate Solution for Preventing Catalytic Converter Theft.

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State Farm reported that its number of claims for stolen catalytic converters hit 43,219 nationally from July 2021 to June 2022, representing a 109% increase compared with the previous 12 months. 

Catalytic converter thieves have been on a tear since 2020, as police departments nationwide and car insurance companies reported a record surge of criminals stealing the part, which is laden with precious metals that help clean car exhaust. In 2022, thefts nationwide were 540% higher than in all of 2020.

What is a Catalytic Converter?

A catalytic converter is a device found in vehicles that helps to decrease the harmful emissions produced by the engine. It contains a catalyst, which is typically made of precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. The catalyst facilitates chemical reactions that transform the pollutants present in the exhaust gases into less harmful substances.

The catalytic converter plays a crucial role in promoting cleaner air and minimizing the environmental impact of vehicles. It is an essential component for meeting emission standards and regulations set by authorities to protect air quality and public health.

It’s important to note that catalytic converters are used in vehicles with internal combustion engines, such as gasoline and diesel engines.

Why are Catalytic Converters Being Stolen?

People are stealing catalytic converters primarily because of their high value in the scrap metal market. Platinum, palladium, and rhodium have seen a significant increase in value over the years, making catalytic converters an attractive target for thieves. The prices of some of these metals are actually higher than gold.

The theft of catalytic converters is relatively easy and quick for criminals. They can be removed with basic tools and require minimal expertise. Thieves typically target parked vehicles, especially those with higher ground clearance, such as trucks, SUVs, and RVs as the converters are more accessible. They can swiftly crawl underneath the vehicle, cut out the converter, and sell it to scrap metal dealers or recycling centers for a considerable profit.

Another factor contributing to the rise in catalytic converter theft is the lack of identification or tracking systems. Unlike vehicle identification numbers (VINs), catalytic converters do not have unique serial numbers, making it difficult to trace or prove ownership. This anonymity makes it easier for thieves to sell stolen converters without getting caught.

Furthermore, the increasing demand for catalytic converters in countries with stricter emissions regulations has driven up their price. As a result, thieves are motivated to steal them for resale or to extract the precious metals for illegal trade.

What is CatStrap?

CatStrap is an innovative security solution specifically developed to combat the rising problem of catalytic converter theft. To address this issue, CatStrap offers a practical and effective deterrent against theft. It is a specialized metal strap designed to keep your catalytic converter from being cut off of the vehicle. The strap is made of durable materials, such as three layers of hardened steel, (the same material saw blades are made from), that are resistant to cutting and tampering attempts.

One of the primary advantages of CatStrap is its effectiveness in deterring theft. Creating a strong physical barrier significantly increases the difficulty and time required for thieves to remove the catalytic converter. This can discourage opportunistic thefts and force thieves to reconsider targeting vehicles equipped with CatStrap.

Furthermore, CatStrap is designed to be a universal solution that can be installed on various types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorhomes. Its adjustable design allows for flexibility in accommodating different catalytic converter sizes and mounting locations.

CatStrap not only acts as a physical deterrent but also provides vehicle owners with peace of mind. It reduces the risk of financial loss and inconvenience associated with catalytic converter theft, which can result in expensive repairs, decreased vehicle performance, and potential legal issues.

It is worth noting that while CatStrap provides an additional layer of security, it is still important for vehicle owners to take other preventive measures, such as parking in well-lit areas, using security cameras, and installing alarms. These complementary measures, in combination with CatStrap, can further enhance the overall security of the vehicle and reduce the likelihood of catalytic converter theft.

Installing the CatStrap

Our Class A Motorhome is built on a Ford F53 Chassis. It along with the Ford E-350 and E-450 Chassis used for Class C Motorhomes are very common. CatStrap makes the RV Max Protect CatStrap Kit (Class A & C RVs).

RVs are among the toughest to protect – With high clearance and often parked in remote areas for extended periods of time allows easy access to the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter is extremely exposed and there is lots of open workspace for a thief to operate in – with heavy tools. For these reasons, you need something that will have added protection. The RV Max Protect CatStrap Kit is a must.

Included in the Kit:

• Two (2) Catstraps (5 ft long) with the triple-layer design of custom, ultra-hardened strip steel (55 HRC hardness specification)
  • Designed such that the straps overlap on the rear side of the converter, covering both the top and bottom of the exhaust pipe for 2X the cutting demand. 
• Made with an Orange Warning Strip for additional visual deterrent.
• Built-In Heat-Activated Adhesive Strip that bonds to the converter body
• 20 Stainless Steel Ties (u-bolt exhaust clamps not included)
• Two (2) Bright Yellow Warning Label

NOTE: You will also need 4 U-Bolt exhaust clamps that are not supplied in the kit due to the differing sizes of exhaust systems. These are easily found at any auto parts store.

Installation:

Installation is relatively simple and can be done by any DIYer. Installing the CatStrap requires no special tools.

1. Place an exhaust clamp with the provided u-channel collar piece on one side of the converter to secure the strap (black side in contact with the pipe). Tighten the first clamp as close to the converter as possible, butted up immediately against it. 

2. Place the second exhaust clamp/collar on the other side of the converter body. While pulling the strap as tight as possible by hand, tighten the second clamp (butted up immediately against the other side of the converter), allowing the clamp to pull the strap tight and ensure high tension along the length of the converter body.

3. Tighten down the exhaust clamp nuts with sufficient force to bend the lower clamp bracket inward toward the pipe. At this point, the clamp will form into the pipe and can not be easily removed even if cut or the nuts removed. In addition, the threads can be roughened or tack welded to prevent the nuts from being removed.

4. Repeat to secure an exhaust clamp at both extremities of the strap (no collars needed). Pull as tight as possible by hand, and tighten the clamp to create tension along the exhaust pipe. 

5. Use the included steel ties to secure the strap along the length of the exhaust pipe. The more direct contact between the strap and the pipe along the length of the exhaust, the better for the heat-activated bond to form.

It took me about an hour total to install the CatStrap RV Max Protect Kit on our Class A Motorhome.

Additional Measures to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft

While CatStrap provides robust theft deterrent capabilities, incorporating additional security measures can further enhance protection. Consider implementing the following measures:

• Choose Secure Parking: Park your vehicle in well-lit areas with CCTV surveillance or secure garages whenever possible. Avoid leaving your vehicle in vulnerable or secluded locations. This may not be possible if you have to store your RV.
• Engrave or Mark Your Converter: Engraving or marking your catalytic converter with a unique identification number or personal mark can deter thieves and assist law enforcement in identifying stolen converters.
• Add an Alarm System: There are a number of Alarm Systems you can use to warn you of something happening to your vehicle. The makers of CatStrap have a system called CatEye that keeps an eye under your car and sounds the alarm if someone is in the area of your catalytic converter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about CatStrap and catalytic converter theft:

Q: Is CatStrap compatible with all vehicle models? Yes, CatStrap is designed to fit a wide range of vehicle models, ensuring universal compatibility and accessibility.

Q: Can CatStrap be installed by a non-professional? Absolutely! CatStrap installation is user-friendly and can be performed by vehicle owners with basic mechanical skills. The provided instructions guide you through the process.

Q: Does CatStrap affect the performance of the catalytic converter? No, CatStrap does not impede the performance of the catalytic converter. It securely attaches without obstructing the exhaust system’s functionality.

Conclusion

While it’s not perfect we hope it will work as a deterrent and will send would-be thieves someplace easier to steal from. It’s an unfortunate world we live in that you need to literally lock everything up including parts of your vehicle.

Thank you for taking the time to read our article on the CatStrap Catalytic Converter Protection System. If you have any questions or comments please let us know below.