Get in the boat, loser, we’re going snorkeling.
Ok, not exactly, but we did want to talk to you about snorkels for a second. A raised air intake, more commonly known as a “snorkel” (it’s a really fun word to say), is one of those off-road tools that explorers have used for many decades all over the world. Why, though? Well, they’re not just for looking tough when you’re parked downtown, that’s for sure. They’re not the be-all and end-all of keeping water and debris out of your intake, but they are certainly helpful when used right.
A Fresh Air Pipeline
As its name implies, a raised air intake moves the path of fresh air to your vehicle’s air filter up high and out of the engine bay. The intake tube usually comes out of the fender and is bolted to the windshield pillar, giving the snorkel its name -- but the real business happens under the hood. High-quality raised air intake kits will replace the stock airbox with a sealed housing that funnels the air from the snorkel into the intake. It’s important to note that some of these are sealed watertight in the case of submersion, but not all.
The important distinction is that the snorkels feature an intake mouth usually above or in line with the top of the windshield (though some rest just above the hood, such as the H1 Hummer’s). This ensures an uninterrupted stream of fresh, cool air, and can even create a mild ram air effect for the intake. Many snorkels feature a “goose neck” intake that can be rotated to face forwards for maximum airflow, or backwards to protect the engine in the case of extremely dusty conditions. Other designs may feature a conical intake at the end of the snorkel that acts as a pre-filter for separating dirt and water from the airflow to the engine
What A Snorkel Does and Does Not Do
Contrary to what the name might suggest, for the most part, a snorkel’s main purpose is to prevent water from entering the intake during a deep water crossing. While they absolutely can increase the safe fording capabilities of your vehicle, there are many other variables to consider. Your engine’s airbox is only one of many components that need to stay above the waterline when attempting a water crossing. Cooling fans, alternator, battery, and other sensitive electronics all need to stay out of the water if at all possible. So, while adding a snorkel may keep deep water out of the intake, it won’t magically turn your rig into a submarine by itself. We’ll have to save the safe water fording tips for a future article.
Instead, raised air intakes are at their best in keeping dust and other debris out of the air stream and bring in fresh, cool air instead. Cleaner, cooler air makes for more power, better efficiency, and most importantly, longer engine life. If you find yourself in the desert or otherwise dusty environments regularly, a snorkel suits a much more functional purpose than an aesthetic one. Although we’d be lying if we said they didn’t look pretty damn cool as well...
Concerning Snorkel Installation
Depending on what you drive, installing a snorkel can be quite an involved process. You need a brave heart and a steady hand to take a huge hole saw to the fender of your shiny new Jeep Gladiator. In most cases, snorkels are designed to exit the engine bay through your rig’s fender, so drilling a hole is essentially unavoidable. High-quality kits like those from ARB and AEV provide solid and clear instructions, along with all the hardware and seals you need for a clean installation. However, this may be one of those projects best left to a professional if you’re unsure.
Interestingly enough, though, a number of newer vehicles on the market (such as the new Land Rover Defender and some Ram models) have outlets and hardware installed from the factory for adding a snorkel without requiring any cutting. Either way, though, if you’re looking to install one onto your rig, it pays to use one that is designed specifically with your vehicle in mind, as generic options often require more work (and possibly more permanent modifications) to make work.
As always, when in doubt, you can always give one of our Jeepers here at Morris 4x4 a call, and we’ll make sure you get what you need and back on the trail ASAP!
