RV Catalytic Converter Scrap Value (Winnebago, Ford)
It is all about value. Unfortunately, scrap prices change every day so getting a long-term price quote is not possible. The value of your RV catalytic converter is not going to be higher than a car’s just because it is in an RV. It depends on who made it, where it was made, and so on.
The average price of a converter will range. It can be as low as $13 or as high as $750. It all depends on several factors including size and brand. The prices change on a daily basis so to get the current price you have to check the day you want to sell it.
To learn more about this topic, just continue to read our article. It explores the topic so you have the best information possible. There is a reason why thieves are targeting this device and that reason is that catalytic converters are valuable.
RV Catalytic Converter Scrap Value
How Much are RV Catalytic Converters Worth?
If you are buying one, they may seem reasonably priced. However, when you want to sell one, you may get little money for it or a lot of money for it. The price you get depends on many factors.
One of those factors will be the precious metals market. The prices for the precious metals inside the catalytic converter change on a daily basis. Like the stock market and oil prices, they go up and down continuously. That market fluctuation has many factors influencing it as well.
Another factor involved is who made it and what size is the converter. There is no one size fits all category for catalytic converters. On one market list, there are over 35 different types of catalytic converters. Most of them have their own separate value.
That makes telling you their value very difficult as you need to know the brand and the size of the converter before you can get a price. To see that long list of converters, just click here.
RV Catalytic Converter Scrap Value
The value will depend a lot on the precious metals market. There are 3 precious metals used in making a catalytic converter and they are not called precious metals for nothing. They have very high values.
The first precious metal used in this device is Platinum and to buy or sell it you are looking at a $1020 per ounce price tag. The second precious metal is Palladium and it costs $1381 per ounce.
Saving the most expensive to the last, Rhodium is listed at $5650 PER OUNCE. We capitalize those words to make sure you understand clearly that what you have under your RV is very tempting to thieves.
It is no wonder that thieves steal only the catalytic converter. Crime does pay in this instance when they build up a large amount of those precious metals. Keep in mind, the price quoted here is for June 5th, 2023, and by the time you read this, it may have changed in either direction.
The precious metals market is as volatile as any stock market stock price and so on.
Winnebago Catalytic Converter Scrap Price
This will depend on which company built the catalytic converter. It seems that Winnebago has used several automakers to build their gas-powered engines. Those companies are- Renault, Volkswagon, Chrysler, Chevy, and Ford.
If those companies built the catalytic converter as well as the exhaust system, then prices will vary. Ford is more valuable than GM and some foreign-made systems are about the same value as GM if not lower.
Then Cummins has made many diesel engines for Winnebago and the diesel catalytic converter seems to be worth $13 today. What it will be worth tomorrow or next week is another story.
To get you the actual value as it stands right now, we would need to know the exact brand and size of the catalytic converter on your Winnebago RV> Then, some of the larger RVs may have more than one converter in their exhaust system.
That means that the value will double if yours has more than one. GM catalytic converters are running between $99 and $178 right now. Some Fords are in the thousand dollar range and we will get to those in an upcoming section.
Fleetwood RV Catalytic Converter Scrap Price
This model could be made by Ford and right now prices for Ford catalytic converters are high. They come with a very high value and you would have to check to see who made your specific model before getting your hopes up.
You can contact Fleetwood directly and ask them or look in your owner’s manual or parts catalog to see who made them originally. As we said the manufacturer and size are the two most important factors to judge value.
There are companies, like Magnaflow, that make after-market catalytic converters but their models for Fleetwood would not show up on any of the scrap lists. They would be on those lists but under the type of converter it is and not the after-market brand name.
If you go to the website we linked to above, you will see the different types of catalytic converters. The Fleetwood and the after-market versions will fit into one of those types.
To find out the type and brand, you need to look for the serial number that is on the device. Each brand has its own serial number and then the brand may not follow any logical order to those serial numbers.
The same brand may have 8 to 10 numbers and letters or they may have 2 or 5 numbers and letters. Also, do not confuse Fleetwood RV with Cadillac Fleetwood. The latter would have a GM serial number on it.
Ford RV Catalytic Converter Scrap Price
Those catalytic converters made specifically for an RV will range in value. They can be priced anywhere between $200 and $500 with the price going as high as $600 on good days.
There is some more good news. If you own an F-250 then the converter value reaches to about $2750 and if you own a Ford Mustang the catalytic converter is worth about $1500.
The $200 bottom end is still better than GM and some other types of catalytic converters. The $600 upper end is near the top of the value chain. It seems that Ford makes a very valuable converter when talking in terms of scrap prices.
To identify a Ford catalytic converter, you should look for a 10 to 12-digit and letter number somewhere on the device. It would look something like this- 3T51-4W133-CB. You should contact Ford to double-check to make sure the serial number matches their records.
Keep in mind that these values will change frequently throughout the year.
Do Diesel RVs Have Catalytic Converters?
Yes, they do but the type of converter that is attached to diesel engines is not the same as the ones attached to gas engines. Some diesel catalytic converters can be a two-way or a three-way system.
The systems involved that make up this exhaust feature are: Exhaust Gas Recirculation, Diesel Oxidization Catalyst, and Selective Catalytic Reduction as well as a Diesel Particulate Filter.
RVs with diesel engines made prior to 1990 did not have these systems attached to their exhaust. With changing rules starting in 1990, diesel engine makers had to develop these systems to help cut down on pollution.
You will find many diesel RVs with some type of catalytic converter and it could either be a two-way or a three-way option. Which one you get will depend on who made the diesel engine or exhaust system.
Can You Drive an RV Without a Catalytic Converter?
Yes, you can do this but it is not advisable. The only time it may be allowed legally is if you are driving to the repair center to replace the damaged or lost catalytic converter.
If you alter or remove your converter, then some states may fine you up to $1000 or more. The amount of the fine will depend on the state laws in your area.
Other than that, the only difference to your engine would be that you would be sending all the toxic fumes your engine produces out into the air for everyone to breathe. It may affect engine performance slightly but you can still get from point A to point B with little trouble- engine-wise.
Also, if the catalytic converter is altered or removed, you may have to deal with some fault codes. Those fault codes could send your newer engine into derate mode depending on how the engine builder designed the system.
It is just best that you keep your catalytic converter in top shape and damage free. That way you won’t have to worry about fines, etc., as you drive. Also, make sure you have some anti-theft devices attached to this key part to avoid paying replacement costs.
RV Catalytic Converter Replacement Cost
The actual cost you will have to pay will range depending on several factors. The brand, type, and size will be the most important factors as they will determine how much precious metals are included in the construction of the converter.
The repair shop will also influence the price somewhat and you can expect to pay between $400 and $2500 including parts and labor. With over 35 types of converters, you may be able to find one that won’t cost as much.
There is the after-market marketplace as well and one company, MagnaFlow, is selling their versions between $300 and $800. You should check the after-market outlets to see if you can get a good catalytic converter at a realistic price.
But with the possibility of paying a high price for a replacement, it may be a wise step to investigate the cost of anti-theft devices. These may be a lot cheaper and will pay for themselves over the long run.
There are quite a few anti-theft devices on the market today that will give you peace of mind. Plus, make sure to practice some anti-theft steps, like parking in a well-lit area, to keep thieves away.
Does RV Insurance Cover Stolen Catalytic Converters?
According to Progressive Insurance Co., yes, your catalytic converter is covered by one type of insurance. Here is what that company has to say:
“If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, then you're typically covered against catalytic converter theft. Comprehensive coverage will typically pay to replace the stolen catalytic converter and repair any related damage from its removal.” (source)
Judging from the wording, there may be exclusions to their policies. So check with your insurance company and see what they say about your situation. According to the same insurance website, you should take the following steps to protect your converter from theft:
“- Park close to a wall with the exhaust pipe closest to the wall. That makes it harder for a thief to reach the catalytic converter.
- If you have multiple vehicles, park the ones with lower ground clearance outside of the vehicles with higher ground clearance (like SUVs).
- Consider having your converter engraved with the car's VIN so it's easier to trace.
- If you have a car alarm, set it to react to vibration.
- Consider installing a catalytic converter protection device. This cage-like device is installed around the converter, making it more challenging and time-consuming to access and steal.
Some Additional Words
It is not the catalytic converter that is so valuable. Having one in an RV will not make it any more valuable than the one in your tow vehicle to car. What makes these devices so valuable will be those three precious metals used to make one converter.
We did see an updated price per ounce for those metals and the most significant change was Rhodium. It was valued at $14,000 per ounce but by the time you read this, it may be lower again. Protect your catalytic converter as best as you can.
