Thousands of RVers throughout North America put their autos into storage in the course of the winter months. While we’d prefer to suppose that our RVs are protected and sound by means of the chilly months, thieves could also be eyeing your automobile’s parts and gas for a fast rating.
Photo courtesy of Peter Mercer
RVs historically haven’t been the most important targets for thieves. But at the moment’s larger greenback bounties have modified all that. High gasoline costs and the exploding values of metals in catalytic converters have made RVs potential theft targets. How do you shield your self?
Pricey Gas and Precious Metal
When it involves gasoline theft, a motorhome or a twin-tank tow automobile is a big prize. Gas costs stay excessive, and gasoline thefts from autos are nonetheless a serious drawback.
The different merchandise that has attracted thieves is the catalytic converter. These items of apparatus — which enhance effectivity and scale back airborne air pollution — are discovered on fairly effectively all vehicles and vans since changing into necessary within the early seventies. Because catalytic converters comprise treasured metals within the type of palladium and platinum, theft of this tools has risen.
Catalytic converter
Catalytic converters are a part of the exhaust system discovered between the engine and the muffler, and they are often minimize off from beneath the automobile in a matter of minutes. These prizes can carry a whole lot of {dollars}, usually a thousand or extra, relying on the scale and mannequin. Compared to vehicles, bigger truck engines might have 5 occasions the dear steel amount, which, in fact, elevates the value.
So why are RVs presumably vulnerable to this sort of theft? Many RVers primarily use their autos on a seasonal foundation, so it could be doable to simply goal in the course of the non-use storage. During winter storage, most motorized RVs have full gasoline tanks to assist scale back condensation forming.
So, how do you stop this sort of theft from taking place to you? Let’s have a look at some concepts and good practices.
Protecting Your RV’s Gas and Catalytic Convertor From Theft
Replace the gasoline cap(s) to locking kind. While this can be a optimistic transfer to forestall your gas from being siphoned, it is not going to essentially stop the gas from being stolen. Would-be gas thieves usually entry the gasoline by drilling the tank or consumption pipe. Some RV homeowners fear that utilizing a locking cap encourages the perpetrator to resort to drilling, which might add greater than the price of simply the gas. This kind of injury may value a thousand {dollars} or extra. But the purpose could be moot, as a result of anti-spill valves, which stop gas spillage, are in lots of autos at the moment, so siphoning might not work, no matter cap kind. But a locking cap not less than discourages some unhealthy actors from making an attempt to siphon your tank. Locking gasoline caps is a prudent thought, as it’ll dissuade many.
Secured winter storage facility. Consider your storage atmosphere. Storing in a yard or constructing that gives 24-hour safety is an effective measure. Storing at dwelling the place you possibly can control it additionally works.
Electronic safety for storage. Motion detectors and safety cameras are each very efficient safeguards when storing at dwelling. Their mere look could cause would-be thieves to go elsewhere. If you’re storing in a distant location, use battery-powered units.
Photo courtesy of Simplisafe
Position the RV in the most effective orientation. When parking the automobile for winter storage, place it with the gas port dealing with essentially the most seen spot. This will assist to reveal anybody siphoning, drilling or reducing in these areas.
Air down suspension if relevant. Yes, diesel motorhomes even have catalytic converters. Diesel pusher homeowners ought to air down their suspension totally. This will make it tougher, or inconceivable, for thieves to entry these costly exhaust parts.
Engrave the automobile ID quantity (VIN) onto the catalytic converter. Engrave the primary physique of the convertor, not the warmth protect. This will make it traceable and troublesome for thieves to promote. Buyers will probably bypass the transaction and go elsewhere.
Attach a protect to dam catalytic converter removing. Depending on the mannequin of your automobile, it could be doable to get a catalytic converter protect. This is a plate that matches over the catalytic converter, stopping thieves from eradicating it. You can also work along with your mechanic to put in a protect (or do it your self you probably have the supplies and ability set).
Work along with your insurance coverage firm. If the gas tank or enter pipe was drilled or tampered with by thieves, advise your insurance coverage firm. While the gas is not going to be claimable or is not going to exceed the deductible, the doable harm brought on by reducing and drilling could also be substantial. If your catalytic converter is stolen, you’ll know as quickly as you begin the engine. It will roar like a non-muffled “hot rod.” The substitute and restore of any collateral harm may be substantial. Again, report your theft to the police and insurance coverage firm as quickly as doable.
Hopefully, you’ll by no means expertise such occasions. RVs typically will not be focused by thieves. But working towards security and safety nowadays is barely prudent.
So, let’s get out and benefit from the RV way of life.
Peter Mercer — Be Safe