Cat Converter stolen from my Auto Trail Tracker RS (1 Viewer)

[HappyCamper26]

Hi All,

I'm new on the forum and quite new to Motor Homing in general.

However, I've recently had my Cat Converter stolen from my (almost) new Fiat ducato based Auto Trail Tracker RS which has cost over £1k to replace oh:

I wanted to a) warn other MHers and b) let you know what you can do about it.

I looked at a few of these protection devices on the market through various web sites and being a bit of a hobby engineer I wanted to tackle the solution from an engineering point of view.

The first I looked at was the Catclamp, but dismissed it because of it's complicated looking nature and the poor security offered by the steel cables (pair of bolt cutters will go through these). The second was an Armacat, which again I dismissed because of the cables.

Becoming somewhat miffed at so many companies using cables, I found one more - Catloc that said - "yes we do have some devices that use cables, but our specific product for the Fiat Ducato uses high security chain"

I then also noticed there was a discount offer through the Caravan Club web site.

I thought great :thumb:

Ordered it the other Thursday and it was with me the following day. Took me 20 mins to fit (I have some nice ramps to use) and even came with a marking system for the new replacement Cat which you then register online with the International Security Register.

Great service, easy to fit, looks very smart with the chain having a high visibility green sleeving and Catloc even said they offer refitting kits should the Cat / Exhaust need to be removed for maintenance. This should save some extra pennies over having to buy a whole new product in the future.

Now, I'm not daft enough to think that it would definitely stop a thief if very determined, but at least they would probably choose not to attack it if there was an easier target down the road.

Highly recommended by me if you have had a Cat theft or are concerned about it.:thumb:

 

[hilldweller]

First post and advertising.

Plus ca change.

 

[HappyCamper26]

First post and advertising.

Plus ca change.

Thanks for the welcome. I'm certainly not advertising, just sharing my experiences.

Only just came across this forum and am keen to be involved and help other MHers.

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[hilldweller]

Only just came across this forum and am keen to be involved and help other MHers.

If you'd taken the trouble to introduce yourself first you would look a whole lot more credible. We get a stream of first posts all with an agenda. Usually slagging off a dealer or service. Sometimes advertising pure and simple which is how your first post comes across. Last week it was a moron trying to frighten us to death with a scare post about leaking gas tanks.

Treat this place as a pub. If you walked into a pub ans shouted "I've just fitted a chain from Catloc, they are great" you'd get some odd looks. If you walked in and said "Hi I'm Henry, this looks a good pub, I'm thirsty" it would be so different, you might even get a free pint.

 

[DuxDeluxe]

Well said Brian, although in this case I think the OP meant well:thumb:

 

[sean n maggie]

Iagree with Broken Link Removed it does look like advertising.......most people use the newbie way not hit us straight with a buy this item s**t.....

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[JeanLuc]

I'm sorry to disagree with revered regulars, but I think HappyCamper's original post looks simply like a new Funster trying to be helpful - nothing more. There is nothing like infectious enthusiasm for prompting one to pitch in and try to join in by being helpful from the start - well done and welcome.

We really are a friendly lot so hope you stay around to benefit from a great forum.

Although I don't have to worry about Cat theft - pre-cat diesel (and no moggy at home) - thanks for taking the trouble to offer advice to those who may benefit from your experiences.

 

[Lisa]

:welcome: from a fellow newbie.

 

[enery8]

I agree with JeanLuc, BTW happy camper, welcome to the forum
:thumb:

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[hilldweller]

Well said Brian, although in this case I think the OP meant well:thumb:

Beats me. How can we tell ? The advertisers usually don't pay subs.

 

[PJGWiltshire]

Theft of Cat Converter

I have also been a victim of this (three times)then a fellow camper owner pointed out why have the cat on the van at all. Took some advice and yes for £80 I had a piece of pipe work made and put on the van. Yes the MOT people said thats fine as it passed the smoke test.and it is not a requirement to have a Cat Converter so for the last two years I am happy that I am not going to come back and find it missing,

Give it some thought

 

[Gizmouk]

New member has copied / pasted the exact same post to Facts

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[Momo]

Hi Happycamper and welcome to the Fun! :welcomefunster:

Also agree with Jean Luc's comments! :thumb:

 

[Wildbill]

Hi All,

I'm new on the forum and quite new to Motor Homing in general.

However, I've recently had my Cat Converter stolen from my (almost) new Fiat ducato based Auto Trail Tracker RS which has cost over £1k to replace oh:

I wanted to a) warn other MHers and b) let you know what you can do about it.

I looked at a few of these protection devices on the market through various web sites and being a bit of a hobby engineer I wanted to tackle the solution from an engineering point of view.

The first I looked at was the Catclamp, but dismissed it because of it's complicated looking nature and the poor security offered by the steel cables (pair of bolt cutters will go through these). The second was an Armacat, which again I dismissed because of the cables.

Becoming somewhat miffed at so many companies using cables, I found one more - Catloc that said - "yes we do have some devices that use cables, but our specific product for the Fiat Ducato uses high security chain"

I then also noticed there was a discount offer through the Caravan Club web site.

I thought great :thumb:

Ordered it the other Thursday and it was with me the following day. Took me 20 mins to fit (I have some nice ramps to use) and even came with a marking system for the new replacement Cat which you then register online with the International Security Register.

Great service, easy to fit, looks very smart with the chain having a high visibility green sleeving and Catloc even said they offer refitting kits should the Cat / Exhaust need to be removed for maintenance. This should save some extra pennies over having to buy a whole new product in the future.

Now, I'm not daft enough to think that it would definitely stop a thief if very determined, but at least they would probably choose not to attack it if there was an easier target down the road.

Highly recommended by me if you have had a Cat theft or are concerned about it.:thumb:

I don't have a cat but I do have a dog I agree with Brian:thumb:

 

[maz]

New member has copied / pasted the exact same post to Facts

That happens quite a lot. Presumably he's just stumbled upon the Facts forum as well ..........

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[PhilandMena]

As I park on my drive, I've just built the ground up underneath and around the cat. Just need to make sure clearances are OK and job done.

 

[Sidney]

"I can't weigh you out for that van full cats until I've run them all through the International Security Register"

or

"Yeah sling in in that container it'll be off tomorrow"

If mine is stolen I will replace it with a length of pipe.

 

[ShiftZZ]

I say flog him till a whisker of his life, then hang him....

Hang on, can I interest you in some magic beans..

I thin benefit of doubt on this one...

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[Geo]

I have also been a victim of this (three times)then a fellow camper owner pointed out why have the cat on the van at all. Took some advice and yes for £80 I had a piece of pipe work made and put on the van. Yes the MOT people said thats fine as it passed the smoke test.and it is not a requirement to have a Cat Converter so for the last two years I am happy that I am:Smile: not going to come back and find it missing,

Give it some thought

Better think about putting back then
Its now a failure

"I can't weigh you out for that van full cats until I've run them all through the International Security Register"

or

"Yeah sling in in that container it'll be off tomorrow"

If mine is stolen I will replace it with a length of pipe.

Dont do it see above

 

[joner8888]

Better think about putting back then
Its now a failure


Dont do it see above

What is needed is a CAT hire center.
Hire for a week , get through the MOT , return until needed next year.

Or, they ought to make of some type of cheaper materials.

 

[g8ysn]

alarmed cat

i have had an in line alarm fitted through my standard system since new also aluminium cover with sharp edges if u try to cut through pipe alarm [breaking of in line alarm sensor] will go off have notices of alarms imobilised and tracker fitted also no plate on roof,but such is life if some scumbag wants it they will try and get it,my tacker will inform me if anything interferes with system,can locate 24/7 will let me now where it is and if it moves from within a geo fence my drive,

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[Geo]

QUOTE=g8ysn;1008397]i have had an in line alarm fitted through my standard system since new also aluminium cover with sharp edges if u try to cut through pipe alarm [breaking of in line alarm sensor] will go off have notices of alarms imobilised and tracker fitted also no plate on roof,but such is life if some scumbag wants it they will try and get it,my tacker will inform me if anything interferes with system,can locate 24/7 will let me now where it is and if it moves from within a geo fence on my drive,[/QUOTE]




These geo fences I put up for £50 each, you can't see em but they are there, payment via Paypal.
Fence sent an installed by satelite :thumb:
Geo

 

[Techno]

OP joined the other side today too to post exactly the same tale. Will he cough up on both one tother or neither

 

[Sandancers]

i have had an in line alarm fitted through my standard system since new also aluminium cover with sharp edges if u try to cut through pipe alarm [breaking of in line alarm sensor] will go off have notices of alarms imobilised and tracker fitted also no plate on roof,but such is life if some scumbag wants it they will try and get it,my tacker will inform me if anything interferes with system,can locate 24/7 will let me now where it is and if it moves from within a geo fence my drive,

Could you give a website for this in line (CAT?) alarm? Very interested.

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[buttons]

Beats me. How can we tell ? The advertisers usually don't pay subs.

This could easily be settled with a picture of this RS with todays date on it. Not that I am a disbeliever in any way.

 

[Allanm]

Great service, easy to fit, looks very smart with the chain having a high visibility green sleeving and Catloc even said they offer refitting kits should the Cat / Exhaust need to be removed for maintenance. This should save some extra pennies over having to buy a whole new product in the future.

Now, I'm not daft enough to think that it would definitely stop a thief if very determined, but at least they would probably choose not to attack it if there was an easier target down the road.

Highly recommended by me if you have had a Cat theft or are concerned about it.:thumb:

Problem is, chains are easier to cut through than multi strand cables. There is a guy on Youtube cutting through Thatcham approved motorcycle chain locks in seconds, makes a mockery of the security ratings.
I have an Armacat on mine, the cable is routed through the suspension and there isn't enough room or clearance to get long bolt cutters underneath , even if you jack the van up.
Sometimes its the way things are used that make them effective.
And, if the cat gets successfully stolen, Armacat will replace the device.

Allan

 

[pappajohn]

Catloc that said - "yes we do have [HI]some[/HI] devices that use cables, but our specific product for the Fiat Ducato uses high security chain"


it appears the op doesnt know his cable from his chain.

This is the only one shown on the website.....no mention of a chain version.

And no contact address....only a none area 0845 number

Broken Link Removed

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[jhorsf]

I would say those cables would take seconds with a disc cutter

 

[pappajohn]

I would say those cables would take seconds with a disc cutter

if they want it, they'll take it.

You could also say the wrap around bracket would last seconds with a cheap diamond bladed angle grinder

 

[sdc77]

As I park on my drive, I've just built the ground up underneath and around the cat. Just need to make sure clearances are OK and job done.

I've always thought this to be the easiest way to protect the cat.. A railway sleeper or similar...
Can't do if on our drive but it's a great idea

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