Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Device... Really needed?

[JediNut]

I know there are a couple of threads about what catalytic converter anti-theft devices are available for our new F-150s. Those threads are quickly taken over by folks talking about their guns... and not so much about answering the question.

This plate seems to be the most popular "device": https://www.talonsgarage.com/product-page/f-150-transmission-skid-plate
(Basically, I think these guys looked at their tranny skid plate and said "Hey, Darryl... look, it blocks the cat too! Let's call it an 'Anti-cat theft device' and then we can charge even more for it!") Either way, they are on back order and seem to have been that way for a while.

Today, I stopped by the "go-to" dude for any serious exhaust work in town and asked him if he knew of anything. (He does a lot of anti-cat theft work on Prius's, etc). Well, he looked at me like I'm crazy. He had never heard of ANYONE stealing cats from F-150's.

Yet... I see articles like this: https://www.torquenews.com/3769/thieves-target-f-150-catalysts-pandemic-goes

So, that begs the question... is an anti theft device *REALLY* necessary? Are the cats on my PowerBoost the same as on an EcoBoost, or are they the crazy expensive type like on a Prius??

I'll be driving across the country sometime this summer and the last thing I need is to come out to the truck and find my catalytic converts have been cut out. So, I am just trying to be smart about it.

Sponsored

 

[PBXL]

I saw someone post an install video for a Powerboost and the Talons Garage plates:



I have a hunch that the nature of cats for hybrid vehicles makes them contain more precious metals so I have already removed my Powerboost emblems as a precautionary step and I too am curious about any skid plates that would also deter thieves.

 

[moonpie]

I was on a road trip fro Colorado to FL. Stayed at a Holiday Inn Express in Wichita Falls, TX. Came out in the morning to find one of my cats stolen. They got another F-150 in the parking lot as well.

Went to local muffler shop and had them install a universal cat, which got me to FL. Paid $700 out of pocket.

As soon as I arrived in FL (Dec 2021) I went to the Ford dealership. Parts backordered and just came in late March. Finally got my truck fixed and back under warranty. That bill was $2,700. Waiting on reimbursement from GEICO now.

To answer the question, yes - it is DEFINITELY worth protecting your cats.

 

[Bluesman]

I was considering a skid plate system but with a PowerBoost I might just have to make one for myself.

https://rcimetalworks.com/product-category/ford/ford-f-150/15-22-f-150/

 

[JediNut]

I was considering a skid plate system but with a PowerBoost I might just have to make one for myself.

https://rcimetalworks.com/product-category/ford/ford-f-150/15-22-f-150/

The one from Talons Garage will fit if you get their $60 PowerBoost adapter kit.
The one from RCI will definitely NOT fit (according to Stage 3).

 

[Bluesman]

Thanks for the tip on the Talon! I knew the RCI wouldn't work.

 

[psambrose]

I was on a road trip fro Colorado to FL. Stayed at a Holiday Inn Express in Wichita Falls, TX. Came out in the morning to find one of my cats stolen. They got another F-150 in the parking lot as well.

Went to local muffler shop and had them install a universal cat, which got me to FL. Paid $700 out of pocket.

As soon as I arrived in FL (Dec 2021) I went to the Ford dealership. Parts backordered and just came in late March. Finally got my truck fixed and back under warranty. That bill was $2,700. Waiting on reimbursement from GEICO now.

To answer the question, yes - it is DEFINITELY worth protecting your cats.

Yikes, I didn't realize it would be that expensive. Since those things are federally mandated, they really need to make it a federal offense to steal them with severe penalties. Where I live, if the thieves are caught they will be back on the street in an hour or two.

 

[UNIKRN150]

 

[JerseyGlock]

LOL, owner will spend more time in jail than thief, if we do that here in New Jersey.

 

[Pedaldude]

I know there are a couple of threads about what catalytic converter anti-theft devices are available for our new F-150s. Those threads are quickly taken over by folks talking about their guns... and not so much about answering the question.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreshadowing

There's still enough precious metals in the F-150 cats to score enough money from a fence to motivate the thieves; whether it be some rock, ice or their favorite airplane size bottle of booze.

Even if they never even sell them, some are motivated by the fact that local news stations are constantly reminding people how lucrative and relatively risk free stealing catalytic converters, tailgates and gas is. So they may wind up tossing them in the trash after finding out that nobody is buying, either because it's an unpopular model vehicle that they were cut out of; or because newer laws targeting cat theft have made it much harder to sell them. Either way, your out time and money or even worse:

https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/houston-deputy-shot-grocery-store-17051590.php

Without mentioning the "i word" or its causes, you better get a skid plate for the gas tank as well, since that will become worse along with everything else.

 

[Fordphanatic]

LOL, owner will spend more time in jail than thief, if we do that here in New Jersey.

You need to move to PA. Get caught messing with someones property here and your fair game for target practice. Unlike NJ we love guns here

 

[JerseyGlock]

You need to move to PA. Get caught messing with someones property here and your fair game for target practice. Unlike NJ we love guns here

Thanks, I'm very aware of PA. It isn't that easy just pack up and leave NJ.

 

[Bluesman]

Really need state & federal laws that prohibit scrap dealers from buying cut cats....

 

[Kaipo]

I haven't looked into the skid plates but how are they mounted? Couldn't they just unbolt the skid plates?

 

[JohnMcClane]

Really need state & federal laws that prohibit scrap dealers from buying cut cats....

That likely won’t help the situation, most these CATs are high value because of the high Platinum, Palladium, and Rhodium in them. While fencing the CATs is easier than extracting the precious metals, the precious metals will still hold value and if demand increases due to said laws, you can safely bet OEM manufactures and Junkyards will adjust there prices upwards to compensate. Unless you want to pass laws trying to control the price…

Sponsored