Spare tire/cat theft protection?

[audio1der]

I just heard about the theft of catalytic convertors this morning. Because I can change my oil without ramps someone could easily get under to steal the cat if they wanted. Does anyone run a "cat-cage" or similar anti-theft device?

Same for the spare underneath; was looking at one of these: Trimax ST30 Trimaflex Spare Tire Cable Lock (Round Key) 36" x 12mm : Amazon.com : Automotive

I would rather spend $10 and have to unlock it to use it, than need the spare and come to fine some crackhead(a$$hole) has stolen it.
Thoughts??

 

[ramnutt]

I never thought about locking the spare tire until I found out my truck had it as a dealer installed option (i.e. overpriced). Makes sense if you think about it though. Granted it may not be 100% secure, but any resistance may make the would-be thief move on to an easier target.

 

[retiredfireman]

I dunno about the cats, but the spare tire is easy. Use a cable lock and a padlock. lock around the frame and thru the wheel.

 

[dogcar3]

I use the mopar tire lock. I heard stories about theft. Would be an easy way to get a $300 spare.

 

[reddot]

I think retiredfireman has a pretty good idea. As anything else nothing is 100%. Only thing I can think of for the cat is a big thick sheet of steel bolted to the frame or something. Issue with protecting the cat is that you will need something that can resist or at least slow down a sawz-all, since thats what I would have to assume they would be using to remove it. Any tube structure would be a little too easy to cut off.

 

[lone12star]

i thought about getting one but my 2012 has a temp spare not a full size, dumbest thing to put on a pickup IMO

 

[LOFSFIRE]

i thought about getting one but my 2012 has a temp spare not a full size, dumbest thing to put on a pickup IMO

Not to change the post, but WTF, please tell me that the 2013 have full size spares!

 

[audio1der]

Not to change the post, but WTF, please tell me that the 2013 have full size spares!

Oh, it's a 20" alright, but you think they shoehorn a 275 section tire up there??

 

[Stangshcky12]

I wouldn't trust a cable lock for the spare tire
My dads spare was stolen on his old pickup, someone lowered the tire enough to cut the braided steel line to drop the tire

It's a federal offense to steal cats in the US so it is not nearly as bad as it used to be

 

[Trupiano]

That's a really good idea, although I don't have a spare.

 

[SmokedRam]

There was a rash of spare tire thefts here at a local Ford dealer not too long ago. Got so bad they took the spares off the trucks while sitting on the lot and added them before delivery.

 

[nim81]

There was a rash of spare tire thefts here at a local Ford dealer not too long ago. Got so bad they took the spares off the trucks while sitting on the lot and added them before delivery.

ive heard this happening with tailgates, local ford dealer got all new locking tailgates after someone stole about 20 of them. they caught the guys in a big ass box truck with something like 100+ stolen tailgates.
damn crack heads!

 

[joeg45]

If someone stole my cats that would be one less thing to do next week lol but still suck as for the spare i would be mad but idk my last blow was 3 bent rims sooo 3 bent rims + 1 spare still equals no go :/

 

[Bigdaddy]

I like that cable.

 

[jasf]

Tailgates seem to forever be the hot ticket around here. Last year at a World of Outlaws race about 20 came up missing. Dodge,Ford & GM they weren't picky. I'll bet in the 20 years my family owned a Ford dealership we lost 100 tailgates (80s-90s no locks). We always took the spares off,but that didn't stop them from stealing all 4 of the other wheels.Hell we had an entire Myer plow setup go missing. Parked in the front line on a state Hwy no less!

 

[audio1der]

I got the lock in, and installed this weekend. The threaded shaft is actually a bit long (I can't move it up any farther) but I may just add a loose collar piece long enough to cover the excess above the lock. I feel better having it.
I found it on eBay for $60, mad by 'Solex'.

 

[smiley]

They can have my spare it is a temp anyway and comes up so short not sure of I could even use it anyway. Isn't this what cell phones are for is to avoid using these? JK but I would be more made about the principle of it than the actual tire.


$miley

 

[Docwagon1776]

It's a federal offense to steal cats in the US so it is not nearly as bad as it used to be

I've yet to see anyone charged federally for stealing catalytic converters and would like to see a source for that claim.

Scrap metal theft in general is down, as scrap metal prices are. At least in Indiana, every place that takes scrap metal is required to get a photo ID, record the plate number of the delivering vehicle, and quarantine the metal for a period of time. They must show the book and allow inspection to any law enforcement officer as part of their contract to buy and sell scrap metal. Many locally no longer take cats from non-business customers because they don't like the hassle of having so much stolen property, which then cuts down on thefts as well.

 

[smiley]

Always illegal to remove a cat unless replacing as far as I know.


$miley

 

[audio1der]

We've had 6 cat thefts just recently in our small town, but that will just be an excuse to upgrade the exhaust if that happens

As for the spare- it's more the fact that I want to know its there if we need it, than keeping the temp 17''er