Where Is The RV Catalytic Converter Location? (Fleetwood)
Theft of catalytic converters is rampant these days. That may be due to the fact they are so easily located and accessible. This is not a part that can be hidden as it will be in the best spot on the exhaust system
We have to go with the obvious answer here. The Fleetwood and other RV brands’ catalytic converter is located between the engine and the exhaust pipe underneath the vehicle. The exact location may vary depending on floor plans, etc.
To learn more about the location of the catalytic converter just continue to read our article. It explores the issue to provide you with the best information possible. The location is not going to vary by much as these devices need to be replaced every so often.
Do RVs Have Catalytic Converters?
Yes, they do. In fact, it is required by law in all 50 states that ALL motor vehicles have a catalytic converter. Of course, there will be exceptions made for electric vehicles.
The purpose of this device is to help cut down on the pollution that enters the air. But that is not what makes them valuable. What makes them valuable, especially to thieves, are the few rare metals used to create this device.
These rare metals do the hard work of eliminating the pollutants that are created by internal combustion engines. Unfortunately, monetarily, they are very valuable, almost as valuable as gold.
That monetary value makes these devices prime targets and has helped create a cottage industry for anti-theft devices just for this part alone.
Do Diesel RVs Have Catalytic Converters?
Yes, they do but it is not exactly designed the same way as a gas-powered vehicle’s catalytic converter. The style and design of the diesel device would depend on the type of vehicle that uses diesel for fuel.
The diesel catalytic converter can be a two-way or a three-way design. The latter adds the SCR or Selective Catalytic Reduction to the system. Then the diesel version would also have the following components for the exhaust to travel:
- EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation)
- DPF (Diesel Particulate Filtration)
- DOC (Diesel Oxidization Catalyst)
- SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction)
The diesel catalytic converter is located closer to the engine and it uses heat to help break down harmful exhaust fumes. The DOC is responsible for breaking down carbon monoxide into water and carbon, while the SCR works on neutralizing nitrogen oxide into nitrogen and oxygen.
Finally, the DPF captures particulates that do not get broken down.
Where is The Catalytic Converter on a Motorhome?
This location would depend on whether you owned a gas or diesel engine RV. The diesel engine will be like the gas engine’s location, between the engine and the exhaust pipe. But it will be closer to the engine.
The exact location will be influenced by the route of the exhaust system pipes and other components located underneath the RV. That is the best description that can be given. Just suffice it to say that thieves know exactly where it is on your vehicle.
Some RV owners have reported having their catalytic converters stolen on both their RVs as well as personal vehicles. Actually, it is easy to find because the catalytic converter is usually kept in plain sight.
You should not have any trouble seeing it as it will be the bulkiest component on your exhaust system. It needs to be said, if you haul a trailer or 5th wheel, the only catalytic converter you would need to worry about would be the one on your tow vehicle.
Trailers and 5th wheels do not have this device.
Typical RV Catalytic Converter Location
The location of the RV catalytic converter will be somewhere along your exhaust line. It is the last defense against pollution and it will be placed in the best spot possible by RV makers.
The location will vary between Classes A, C, & B RVs due to their size, chassis design, as well as other components needing space underneath your RV. Most people do not worry about this device as doing as it is doing its job and it is secured in place.
They do not think about it until they start seeing, smelling, or hearing the following symptoms of a catalytic converter going bad:
- Check engine light is on
- Reduced engine performance
-Odd or rotten-egg smell
- Abnormal noises or rattling in the engine
- Stalling or losing acceleration
- The engine misfires
When they do, then they get the shock of the total cost for a new one as well as installation.
Fleetwood RV Catalytic Converter Location
This company is not different from other RV brands. They have limited spaces and locations to place the catalytic converter. It will be somewhere between the engine and tail pipe.
The key to finding it would be to follow your tail pipe back till you come across the catalytic converter. The final location will not be the same in the gas RV and the diesel models.
To keep your catalytic converter in top shape, you should use some catalytic converter cleaner. These items will help clear away carbon build-up and deposits. Just pick the best cleaner to help keep your device working as it should.
Plus, you should not leave your RV without the engine turned on for long periods of time. The device needs to clean itself and it only does so when the engine is running. A few days or weeks should not matter, but a few months may cause build-up and blockages.
Some Additional Words
There is nothing further to say about the location of the catalytic converter. It is on your exhaust system after the engine and before the tail pipe. Any location along that route will be up to the RV maker as well as the design of the exhaust pipes and so on.
You just have to crawl under and take a look to get your RV’s specific location.
