1000’s of RVers throughout North America put their automobiles into storage in the course of the winter months. Whereas we’d prefer to assume that our RVs are secure and sound via the chilly months, thieves could also be eyeing your automobile’s elements and gasoline for a fast rating.
Photograph courtesy of Peter Mercer
RVs historically haven’t been the largest targets for thieves. However right now’s larger greenback bounties have modified all that. Excessive fuel costs and the exploding values of metals in catalytic converters have made RVs potential theft targets. How do you defend your self?
Dear Fuel and Valuable Metallic
With regards to gasoline theft, a motorhome or a twin-tank tow automobile is a big prize. Fuel costs stay excessive, and fuel thefts from automobiles are nonetheless a serious downside.
The opposite merchandise that has attracted thieves is the catalytic converter. These items of kit — which enhance effectivity and scale back airborne air pollution — are discovered on fairly effectively all cars and vans since turning into obligatory within the early seventies. As a result of 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 deliver a whole lot of {dollars}, usually a thousand or extra, relying on the scale and mannequin. In comparison with cars, bigger truck engines could have 5 occasions the precious metallic amount, which, after all, elevates the worth.
So why are RVs presumably liable to this kind of theft? Many RVers primarily use their automobiles on a seasonal foundation, so it might be doable to simply goal in the course of the non-use storage. Throughout winter storage, most motorized RVs have full fuel tanks to assist scale back condensation forming.
So, how do you stop this kind of theft from occurring to you? Let’s take a look at some concepts and good practices.
Defending Your RV’s Fuel and Catalytic Convertor From Theft
Exchange the fuel cap(s) to locking kind. Whereas this can be a constructive transfer to stop your gasoline from being siphoned, it won’t essentially stop the gasoline from being stolen. Would-be gasoline thieves usually entry the fuel by drilling the tank or consumption pipe. Some RV homeowners fear that utilizing a locking cap encourages the perpetrator to resort to drilling, which may add greater than the price of simply the gasoline. Any such injury may price a thousand {dollars} or extra. However the level is perhaps moot, as a result of anti-spill valves, which stop gasoline spillage, are in lots of automobiles right now, so siphoning could not work, no matter cap kind. However a locking cap at the least discourages some dangerous actors from making an attempt to siphon your tank. Locking fuel caps is a prudent concept, as it should dissuade many.
Secured winter storage facility. Contemplate 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 keep watch over it additionally works.
Digital safety for storage. Movement detectors and safety cameras are each very efficient safeguards when storing at dwelling. Their mere look may cause would-be thieves to go elsewhere. In the event you’re storing in a distant location, use battery-powered gadgets.
Photograph courtesy of Simplisafe
Place the RV in one of the best orientation. When parking the automobile for winter storage, place it with the gasoline port going through probably the most seen spot. It will assist to reveal anybody siphoning, drilling or slicing in these areas.
Air down suspension if relevant. Sure, diesel motorhomes even have catalytic converters. Diesel pusher homeowners ought to air down their suspension totally. It will make it harder, or not possible, for thieves to entry these costly exhaust elements.
Engrave the automobile ID quantity (VIN) onto the catalytic converter. Engrave the principle physique of the convertor, not the warmth defend. It will make it traceable and tough for thieves to promote. Patrons will seemingly bypass the transaction and go elsewhere.
Connect a defend to dam catalytic converter elimination. Relying on the mannequin of your automobile, it is perhaps doable to get a catalytic converter defend. It is a plate that matches over the catalytic converter, stopping thieves from eradicating it. You can also work together with your mechanic to put in a defend (or do it your self if in case you have the supplies and ability set).
Work together with your insurance coverage firm. If the gasoline tank or enter pipe was drilled or tampered with by thieves, advise your insurance coverage firm. Whereas the gasoline won’t be claimable or won’t exceed the deductible, the doable injury attributable to slicing and drilling could also be substantial. In case your catalytic converter is stolen, you’ll know as quickly as you begin the engine. It should roar like a non-muffled “scorching rod.” The alternative and restore of any collateral injury might be substantial. Once more, 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 should not focused by thieves. However working towards security and safety these days is just prudent.
So, let’s get out and benefit from the RV way of life.
Peter Mercer — Be Protected