how does safari snorkel work

• Mods 1 – Getting Started
• Mods 2 – Tire Size Guide
• Mods 3 – Tire Buying Guide
• Mods 4 – Performance
• Mods 5 – Lift & Level Kits
• Mods 6 – Grille Kits
• Mods 7 – Headlights
• Mods 8 – Fog Lights
• Mods 9 – Rock Sliders
• Mods 10 – Roof Racks
• Mods 11 – Front Bumpers
• Mods 12 – Rear Bumpers
• Mods 13 – Skid Plates
• Mods 14 – Wheels
• Switch Systems
• Rooftop Tents
• Acc Lighting
• Tail Lights
• Rock Sliders
• Skid Plates
• Front Bumpers
• Rear Bumpers
• Accessories
• Recovery Gear
• Refrigerators
• Trail Tested
• Maintenance

5th Gen Mods , Accessories , DIY , Expeditions , Install , Off-Road , Overland , Performance , Reviews , Trail Tested

Arb safari snorkel install & review – 5th gen 4runner.

ARB Safari Snorkel Step-By-Step Install On The 5th Gen 4Runner: Full Review & Product Overview

While the majority of 4Runners sold here in North America will sadly spend most of their miles on pavement, there are some that will see a lot of time off-road, either out of necessity or for recreation.

For those on dirt, there are certain modifications that are smart to consider to extend the life and comfort of your 4Runner. Suspension upgrades, tougher tires, bolt-on armor, etc… While all of these upgrades are valid, what upgrades are being made to protect the motor while on the trail? The motor only has a few points of entry or exit that will cause damage or wear over time: the intake and the exhaust. The exhaust side of the equation is less of a concern because it’s pushing gasses away from the motor, so let’s focus on the intake side as its job is to feed the engine with clean air.

ARB Safari Snorkel for 5th Gen 4Runner

Benefits of a snorkel.

The stock air intake on the 4Runner pulls air from the space between the inner and outer front fender on the passenger side. With the plastic fender liner installed, a good amount of dust and water will be averted from the open intake hole. But take a long trip through the dust, or ford a river and you risk a clogged air filter or worse—water in your intake box.

If you have aftermarket front fenders and no longer have the factory fender liner, you can take that risk and increase it. How do you minimize or eliminate the risk? Like many great answers to overland questions — ask the Aussies! There’s no coincidence that one thing you’ll see on many Australian vehicles who spend time off-grid is a raised intake or snorkel. Drawing clean air from a windshield height intake will help prolong your engine life, reduce filter replacement, and eliminate water intake problems. Many vehicle manufacturers offer raised intakes from the factory for overseas applications, but unfortunately, Toyota hasn’t made an option for the 4Runner, but we’re not lost.

ARB Safari Snorkel

Safari Snorkel has been one of the leaders in the snorkel aftermarket for decades and has an extensive product offering that includes our 5th Gen 4Runners. They use a UV-stable polyethylene material that has been CAD-designed for optimal fitment and airflow specific to the 4Runner. Paired with their signature Air Ram head, the snorkel is designed to work in the harshest conditions keeping dirt, debris, rain, and rivers out of your vehicle’s intake.

Find it online:

• Safari Snorkel Kit (Part #SS450HP) 5th Gen 4Runner: Check Price

Install Overview

• Safari Snorkel SS450HP
• Air Ram head
• Adapter boot
• Hole/cutting template
• Upper mounting plate
• Miscellaneous hardware

Tools and Materials

• Painter’s tape
• Permanent marker
• Marking punch
• #5 step drill bit
• Miscellaneous drill bits up to 5/16”
• Right angle drill (optional)
• Body saw (air reciprocating saw)
• 80-grit sandpaper
• Deburring tool
• Loctite Blue 242
• Rustoleum black paint
• Silicone sealant
• Rubber mallet
• Body clip tool

Step 1. Prep Surface

To start, go ahead and prep the area you’ll be working on by washing the front passenger side of the 4Runner. This will remove any contaminants and make sure you have a nice “seal” between the snorkel and the body panel when you’re all finished.

Step 2. Remove Airbox

Remove the upper half of the factory airbox loosening the 10mm clamp on the intake hose closest to the airbox, and removing the factory MAF harness from the intake. You can leave the intake hose attached to the throttle body, but put a nitrile glove over the hose to prevent any contaminants from entering the intake while you’re working.

Remove the three 12mm bolts attaching the airbox to the fender, and roll the airbox towards the firewall to gain access to the bottom of the intake wiring harness. There is one clip to undo here. Remove the lower section of the airbox.

Step 3. Remove Factory Intake Duct

While you have the airbox handy, remove the factory intake duct using a small pry tool. This is where the new adapter hose will attach later on. After removing the inlet, give the whole lower section a thorough cleaning from debris that might have been in the airbox from before. This will also allow you to have a benchmark for how well the snorkel is performing after you’ve installed it.

Step 4. Seal Factory Drain Holes

The factory airbox has two drain holes in it, one on the side that faces the front of the vehicle and one on the bottom. It’s optional, but I would recommend using silicone caulking to fill these holes to seal up the intake. This will keep your intake sealed during water crossings, but will also keep any water that goes into the snorkel (unlikely) in the intake. So if you do seal the intake, make sure you check it occasionally if you’re operating in heavy rain or snow to make sure it’s dry. Once the silicone is applied, set it aside and let it dry while you work.

Step 4. Mask Off Work Area

Next, use the painter’s tape to tape off the area of the fender that you’ll be working on. Use the template as a guide, going all the way down to the fender flare. Make sure you add some tape over the seam between the fender and flare so metal shavings don’t pile up in them when you drill. Taping the whole work area will help keep your fender from being accidentally scratched while working. It’s not a required step, but it’s a smart step to take to protect your 4Runner.

Step 5. Put Layout Over Tape

Take the template out of the box and line it up on the back of the snorkel to make sure all of the holes match up. This preventive step helps to ensure you’re not drilling the wrong holes if you were supplied the wrong template! Attach the template to the fender using painter’s tape, aligning the left edge with the door jam and the top with the top of the fender. Make sure you thoroughly tape the edges so everything lines up properly and matches the contours of the fender.

Step 6. Outline Layout

With the template installed, mark the holes with a permanent marker. Once marked, remove the template and set it aside.

Step 7. Install Studs into Snorkel

Before getting into the drilling portion of the install, grab the six 8mm studs from the hardware bag. Apply some Loctite 242 to one half of the thread on the stud, and install them into the snorkel. Doing this ahead of time will allow the Loctite to set a bit before you add the nyloc nuts during install.

Step 8. Remove Inner Fender

Remove the plastic inner fender liner from the front to the back starting with the body screws under the factory bumper working through the plastic clips and screws towards the firewall. Use a body clip tool to pry the factory clips without breaking the heads off. You’ll only need to pull the fender liner a little more than halfway down. Just far enough to be able to reach back to the rear-most mounting bolt.

Step 9. Drill Holes into Fender

Back to the outer fender… With the holes now marked take a marking punch and punch a mark in the center of each pen mark. This will help keep the drill bit centered when you begin to drill. With the center punched, take your step drill and drill the six mounting holes in the fender. Make sure you are wearing safety glasses for this task as metal in your eye will ruin your weekend install. Take your time and once the appropriate diameter has been reached, spin the bit lightly a couple more revolutions to clean up the hole edge. You’ll want to drill to 16mm, or 5/8” for the mounting holes. No turning back now!

When drilling the hole closest to the passenger door, make sure you have enough clearance behind the fender so you don’t hit the inner fender. Have someone you trust poke their head in the fender to watch while you drill. Make sure they’re wearing safety glasses as well.

Step 10. Drill Cut Start Point

With the mounting holes drilled, mark your hole for the starting point for the inlet hole. You’ll need to choose a size that’s large enough to accommodate your saw blade of choice. Make sure when you mark your hole, mark it on the INSIDE of the area to be cut and far enough from the cut line to make sure you’re not drilling into the portion of the fender you’re keeping.

Step 11. Cut Out Big Hole

After drilling the starter hole, it’s time for the main event. I would recommend taking this moment to enjoy some liquid courage as you’re about to cut a big hole in your 4Runner. Beverage consumed (and then some time to re-group), grab your body saw. I used a pneumatic reciprocating air saw for this task because it’s a precision saw that leaves a thin kerf and a very smooth finish. Use good lighting for this job to make the line more visible. Take your time, adjusting your position to get the best stability during the cut. You can use a magnet across a cut section of the hole to hold the inner piece in place when you finish your cut so it won’t fall through. Breathe easy, the hardest part is over!

Step 12. Clean Cut Holes

Use the deburring tool to remove any metal burrs from the holes you just cut/drilled. Lightly use your finger to feel the inside of the holes for burrs. On the larger intake hole, use 80-grit sandpaper to smooth off the edge of the hole, if needed. Remove the painter’s tape when you’ve finished cleaning the holes.

Step 13. Test Fit Snorkel

Take your snorkel with the studs pre-installed and line it up with the fender to check the fit with the new holes. With any luck, you’ll have a perfect fit with no adjustments needed. If your holes are off, use a die-grinder to adjust them.

Step 14. Mark Drill Holes on A-Pillar

Use this time to mark your A-pillar mounting plate. Mockup the snorkel, and look at where you’ll need to apply painter’s tape. Remove the snorkel, and apply the tape with a few inches on each side. Then reapply the snorkel with the upper plate installed to mark where the plate will be attached to the A-pillar. Use your permanent marker to mark the top, bottom, and windshield edge of the plate. Remove the snorkel and the plate from it. You’ll come back to this in a bit.

Step 15. Paint Drill Holes

With the holes cleaned up, use a Q-tip to apply a layer of paint on all bare edges of metal. This will help prevent any rust from eating away your fender underneath the snorkel. Let the paint dry while you move on to the next step.

Step 16. Drill Pilot Holes into A-Pillar

Take the upper mounting plate and realign it with the marks you made earlier. Then using your permanent marker, mark the three holes you’ll need to drill in the A-pillar. With the holes marked, use the marking punch to set the center of the holes to drill. Starting with a small drill bit (1/16”) drill a pilot hole with your right angle drill. You can use a standard drill for this, but the right angle drill will allow for more depth control when drilling. You’ll want to just break the surface with these holes, but you won’t need to worry about any airbags in the A-pillar.

Step 17. Drill Final Holes into A-Pillar

After drilling your pilot holes, you can get ready to drill the holes for the plastic clips supplied in the snorkel kit. My final hole size was 5/16” to where the clips fit snugly with a hammer tap to set them. I would recommend drilling a 9/32” hole first, checking for snugness with the clip, then widening to 5/16” if needed. You want these to be as snug as possible to help hold them in place. Remove the painter’s tape.

Step 18. De-Burr Drill Holes

With your three holes drilled, use the deburring tool to clean up your holes and paint them as you did with the holes on the fender. Let them sit for a good 10-30 minutes, depending on how warm your workspace is. I used a heat gun to help cure the paint a little quicker.

Step 19. Silicone Clips into Holes

Paint cured, grab the silicone that you used for the airbox and apply a bead around the bottom of the clip. Line it up with the hole, and use a rubber mallet to tap it into place. Gently rotate the clip once it’s seated to even out the silicone at the interface. Repeat this for the other two clips. You can remove any silicone residue by lightly wiping it off with a paper towel damp with Acetone.

Step 20. Install A-Pillar Bracket

Install the upper plate with the supplied stainless steel screws by hand. Be sure to not spin too fast or the clip will start spinning. If it does, take a thin pair of pliers to lightly grip the edges of the clip while you screw in from above. Snug up all 3 screws evenly.

Step 21. Remove Stock Airbox Tabs

You’ll need to modify the stock airbox by removing the retaining and alignment tabs where the factory inlet used to be. I used a die grinder to remove the tabs as described in the instructions and smoothed them with some sandpaper to ensure a clean fit. This is where the snorkel adapter will slide onto the airbox.

Step 22. Install Intake Adapter

Set the intake adapter into the fender with the round end through the inner fender. Slide the smaller of the two hose clamps over the end sticking through the hole with the tensioning screw facing up on the forward side of the adapter. Take the lower half of the intake box and set it into place, sliding the round end of the adapter over the intake on the box. Use a little dish soap on the inside of the rubber adapter as a lubricant if needed. Reinstall the lower airbox, along with the wiring harness clips you removed at the beginning. Wait to tighten the hose clamp until after the snorkel is installed.

Step 23. Install Hose Clamps on Adapter

Take the larger of the two hose clamps and install it on the oval end of the adapter in the fender. Snug it up just enough so it doesn’t rotate on the adapter. You’ll want the tensioning screw facing down on the rearward side of the adapter. Take a small amount of dish soap and spread it on the inside of the adapter as a lubricant.

Have one of the upper bracket bolts at the ready. Bring in the snorkel and line it up with the fender, setting it into place. Reach in from underneath to massage the adapter onto the snorkel making sure it seats evenly. Then, grab your bolt and lightly thread it into one of the upper bracket holes to keep the snorkel in place while you get ready to secure it from inside the fender.

Step 24. Install Nuts and Washers

With your six washers and nyloc nuts handy, thread one of each onto the six studs inside the fender. Tighten them evenly with a ratcheting wrench, eventually getting them all snug on the fender. Once the snorkel is secured from inside the fender, add the upper mount bolts on the A-pillar and tighten them until they’re snug.

Step 25. Tighten Hose Clamps

With the snorkel fully secured, tighten the hose clamps with a 7mm socket on both the snorkel and the intake side of the adapter.

Step 26. Install Airbox

Make sure your airbox is cleaned out using a vacuum and rag, then reinstall the filter and upper half of the air box. Tighten the hose clamp (10mm) and reinstall the harness clips/plug before securing the upper airbox.

Reinstall the inner fender liner after you have cleaned out any metal shavings from the drilling using a vacuum. Use the driver’s side if you can’t remember which clips/screws go where.

Step 27. Install Air Ram

Finally, attach the Air Ram head to the top of the snorkel using the provided black hose clamp with the tensioning bolt facing back. That’s it! You’re done!

Trail Impressions

With the snorkel installed, it isn’t really noticeable from the driver’s seat. You’ll only know it’s there from the grief you get from your significant other when you pick them up from work…ask me how I know.

Aesthetically, the Safari Snorkel will change the exterior appearance of your 4Runner and may look a little out of balance if you have a mostly stock 4Runner. That being said, this is a functional upgrade, first and foremost. If the Safari Snorkel gives you what you need when you need it, who cares what it looks like. On a mild to wild build, this snorkel looks right at home with its black textured finish.

Road Impressions

On the road, there is surprisingly no increase in sound from the snorkel either from wind or intake noise. You do get some increased intake noise if you rev the engine while parked, a benefit for overland parking lot meetups…joking.

Final Thoughts

Functionally, the snorkel has been working well on the 4Runner. I’ve taken it through a number of good water holes that have been covering the trails here in Central Oregon with no water to show in the airbox. I have also driven through heavy rain and snow with the snorkel with no accumulation in the intake, which is promising. The major factor I haven’t been able to test yet is dust, which was my main reason for installing the snorkel. With winter set in here and plenty of moisture in the dirt, I won’t get a good idea for dust until later this year.

I have high hopes for this Safari Snorkel to keep my airbox clean and dry through all of the conditions that I intend to put my 4Runner through in the years to come. It’s big, burly, and built to take a beating — much like the 4Runner itself.

Max Sheehan

Freshly rooted in Central Oregon, I have always had an eye for the outdoors and the vehicles that get you there. As a gateway to the wild, I have spent weekends exploring the best that the west coast has to offer in my expedition style 4Runner.

Thank you for the great write up! I just installed my snorkel following it.

One thing that I figured out that helped was to tape over the washers holes with painters tape (the ones that go on the inside of the fender). Then poke a little starter hole in the middle of the tape to use to press the washer onto the studs. This way the washers have a little bit of friction from the tape to hold them on when pushing them onto the studs giving you all the time you need to get the nut ready.

I only needed this trick for the upper 2 left studs that are very hard to reach with large hands.

I’d welcome thoughts for the nuts. I lost 2 in the process somewhere in the fender and had to buy more. I thought about hot gluing the nut to the washer so they go on as one unit, but that was after I already lost 2 so I never tried it.

Will this install be different for the 2020? There are SRS airbags in each of the A-pillars; what’s the possibility of activating/damaging the airbag system when drilling into the passenger side pillar?

No . Air bags are behind the a piller trim on inside. There is a Chanel in between on the outside. When you drill in its does not go through to inside of vehicle

Look at Snorkel Upgrade for a pre filter.

It’s almost like you know what article is dropping soon! 😉 I’ve been very happy with the one I installed on this ARB snorkel.

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Safari Snorkels were twice awarded Best After Market Product of the Year by 4X4 Australia Magazine, and are distributed extensively in Australia and around the world. 

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Vehicle Snorkels: Everything You Need to Know

• Last updated on April 16, 2023

So, you want to turn that Toyota Land Cruiser into a Water Cruiser? Your Jeep Wrangler into a Jeep Angler? Because nothing looks cooler than an off-roading vehicle charging through a deep water crossing.

You’ve seen a vehicle snorkel and think you want one. But you’ve got some questions. How do they actually work? What should they be made of? Are there any drawbacks you should be aware of?

In this guide, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about snorkels for off-roading. Plus, when you should consider one and a few tips to make the best choice for your unique needs.

What is a Vehicle Snorkel?

Just like the human device for swimming, vehicle snorkels help a car or truck to “breathe” in the dusty desert outback or when wading through deep water or snow.

When crossing water in standard vehicles, water can only go to around three-quarters of the height of the tire before you risk moisture getting into the engine. A snorkel lets your off-road vehicle go deeper:

Plus, when overlanding in the dirt or dust for hours, snorkel systems improve the quality of air being fed to your engine. But how do they work?

How Does a Vehicle Snorkel Work?

A vehicle snorkel works by moving your air intake system higher. Instead of drawing air from the engine bay, the intake point moves near the roof. This lets you access cleaner air and can help to prevent dust or water making its way into your vehicle’s engine.

When you drive, cooler air is rammed (hence the “air ram” name) into the system to reach the engine. Heavier dust and water hit the back of the head and are filtered out through drain slots.

Image Source: https://www.topgear.com.ph/

There are also other filters lower down for any bugs or leaves that get through that shouldn’t.

A snorkel is almost like an insurance policy for a clogged air filter ruining your vehicle. However, having one doesn’t totally protect you from any water crossing. Every vehicle has a different wading depth, and you need to take this into account.

A Chevrolet Colorado’s is 800mm:

Keep in mind, even vehicles of the same height have different wading depths. For example, the Isuzu D-Max is the same height as the Colorado, but its wading depth is 500mm.

Plus, if you’re not careful, water can still get in through your doors and differentials or cause electrical problems. If that happens, no snorkel will save you.

Vehicle Snorkels vs. Raised Air Intakes

While they look alike, snorkels and raised air intakes are slightly different. A snorkel has one long body with an attached “hat” (the snorkel head). While raised air intakes are made up of five or six separate pieces—meaning they’re not as watertight.

Check out this video of an ARB Safari snorkel to see how it differs from an OEM raised air intake:

While you can seal raised air intakes, you may want peace of mind with a snorkel.

The Pros and Cons of a Snorkel Kit for Off-Roading

While some people install snorkels just because they look cool, you may not want to go cutting holes in your precious Toyota Tacoma  just for the sake of it. First, weigh up the pros and cons to decide if it’ll be a smart upgrade.

Here are some of the functionalities of 4WD snorkels you may be interested in:

• They can improve the fuel efficiency  and engine performance of your vehicle
• They can increase the amount of cooler air  getting to your vehicle in dusty terrain
• The layers of filters can help protect your engine  and reduce wear and tear

While this all sounds like a no-brainer, snorkels aren’t perfect. Here are some of the potential issues with them:

• There may not be a ready-made system  for your vehicle, which can make installation tricky and way more expensive
• Deep water can still get into and damage  other parts of your vehicle on river crossings
• Bugs, leaves, and other items  can get sucked into your snorkel and damage your filter

Still interested? Here are some tips to choose the right one and factors to be aware of.

7 Considerations and Tips to Choose the Right Snorkel for You

Your snorkel setup might look like a simple upgrade, but there are a few considerations to bear in mind:

• Pre-filters  (also known as snorkel socks) restrict airflow but give the main filter (in the air box) extra protection from dusty roads. Only install these when you get to your destination, not before. Otherwise, you’re reducing the amount of clean air getting to your engine before you have to.
• A dusty, clogged air box  can eventually lead to dust getting into your engine and potentially resulting in catastrophic engine failure. Check yours regularly to clean it and see if it needs to be replaced.
• Carry a spare air box plug  full of sealant for deep water crossings. Once you’re over and back to dry land, replace the sealant version with the regular.
• The way you face your snorkel ( forward or backward ) is totally up to you. You may get fewer bugs and leaves in your filter facing backward, but it could also affect the amount of air getting to your engine.
• Aside from a ram head , the other main type is a cyclone or vortex head . This bowl-shaped version works by swirling the air to push out dust and water into the sides of the bowl. While it can be more effective in keeping your filter clean, the airflow to the engine isn’t as powerful.
• The two main types of snorkel ducting are plastic and stainless steel . Some choose stainless steel versions for cosmetic reasons, but they’re usually a lot pricier and harder to install. So bear that in mind.
• Going for plastic? Cheaper, unbranded versions may be more appealing to your wallet, but they’ll be less resistant to UV damage  and small impacts. Plus, they may not be high-quality enough to be watertight.

If you want to see all of the parts being discussed above, check out this video:

3 of the Best Recommended Snorkels Brands

For a purchase this important, big brands are best. Here are three of our favorites:

• ARB Safari 4×4:  Made in Australia and tested in the outback, the Safari Snorkel  is one of the biggest names in the game. Made with durable materials and manufactured to be vehicle-specific, this high-performance model is compatible with the most popular trucks.
• Dobinsons 4×4:  Another leading Australian brand, Dobinsons snorkels  come at a competitive price for such quality performance. Customized to your vehicle, they’re made to fit major brands such as the Toyota 4Runner, Mitsubishi Triton, and Isuzu D-Max.
• Ironman 4×4: The Australians clearly know what they’re doing as Ironman 4×4  joins the pack. The angled ram-air head is uniquely designed to deflect rain for “superior airflow and water dispersion”.There’s also high-quality options for Jeeps, Toyotas, Nissans, and more.

Image Source: https://ironman4x4america.com/

Frequently Asked Questions

Got some more questions about vehicle snorkels? Keep on reading.

What does a car snorkel do?

A car snorkel moves the air intake point from under the bonnet to near the roof. While providing extra protection from bugs and leaves, it also improves the air quality reaching your engine in dusty environments or water crossings.

Are snorkels good for your car?

Snorkels can help improve the quality of air getting to your engine in certain environments. However, they’re likely an unnecessary upgrade if you only use your car on regular residential journeys.

How deep can a car go with a snorkel?

Every car has a different wading depth set by manufacturers. Make sure to check yours and never go deeper (even with a snorkel), or else you risk water damage to your car.

Are 4×4 snorkels worth it?

If you’ll be off-roading in dusty environments or crossing deep water regularly, it’s worth upgrading your vehicle with a snorkel. Just make sure you choose a high-quality branded version that will do the job properly.

Do You Need a Vehicle Snorkel for Your Off-Road Adventures?

There’s no denying a snorkel looks cool. But do you really need one for your overlanding vehicle ?

If you’re regularly traveling in the outback or desert, we’d say yes. It’s added protection against dust, bugs, leaves, and any other small objects.

If you just use your Toyota 4Runner  for the odd weekend trip, there’s not much point cutting a big hole in the side.

Interested in more guides for desert overlanding? Check out:

• Roof Rack Solar Panels: Everything You Need to Know
• How to Choose & Install The Best Dual Battery Setup
• Ultimate Guide to Overlanding Water Storage

Bill Widmer

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SAFARI SNORKELS

• Holden Colorado (2016 – Present)

Safari Snorkels

Protecting your engine from dust, snow and water ingestion is essential for keeping your Colorado on the tracks and not the side lines. A Safari snorkel will ensure that clean, dry air is always available, regardless of the conditions.

Manufactured in Australia from premium quality polyethylene, Safari snorkels are UV stable and incredibly resilient to withstand the harsh Australian environment. All systems are individually designed and undergo thorough research and testing prior to being tooled for production.

Safari snorkels are positively sealed to provide the ultimate in engine protection during river crossings and dusty conditions, while the quality fixtures and fittings ensure superior appearance and long term durability.

Install one before your next trip and breathe easier knowing that your engine is protected by a Safari snorkel.

Clever Design

Safari’s Air Ram system is a pivotal and functional attribute of the snorkel; CAD and lab tested, the Air Ram is designed to simultaneously remove the maximum volume of water from the incoming air stream, while delivering the maximum airflow to your vehicle’s engine. 

Durable Materials

Safari snorkels utilise a UV stable polyethylene body which ensures a strong and robust fitting to the outside of your 4×4, complemented by high-grade stainless steel and plated hardware for corrosion resistance on all internal and external fittings and fixtures. All Safari connection ducting is custom designed and tooled and is manufactured from EPDM moulded rubber, rated to a continual 130°C operating temperature. There is nothing better!

Vehicle Specific

Nothing fits like Safari. As a result of the intricate design process, working with a combination of CAD modelling and actual vehicles, Safari snorkels are manufactured to integrate seamlessly. Where other products might look similar, none are developed with such attention to detail from the air-box back to the Air Ram to work perfectly with your vehicle.

Safari Snorkel Features

Reduces dust intake in Outback conditions

Safari snorkels are ideal for convoy driving where severe dust can have a detrimental effect on your engine’s performance.

Protects Your Engine From Water

Keep your engine dry and your 4WD moving during water crossings, Safari snorkels reduce the likelihood of engine damage.

Pre Cleaner Compatible

Safari snorkels are fully compatible with optional 7″ or 10″ pre cleaners on some models.

Maintains Fresh Air For Your Engine

High flow air ducting and body ensures air supply is in excess of engine requirements.

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Safari ARMAX Snorkel SS172HP

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Snorkel 101: Function & Step-By-Step Installation

There are few build modifications that make a vehicle look as rugged and expedition-ready as a snorkel. Also known as a ‘raised air intake’ this aftermarket addition may look cool, but it also serves some important functions.

The main purpose of a snorkel is access to clean air. Most people associate the snorkel with water crossings, as it prevents water from flooding through the vehicle’s airbox and into the engine, potentially causing electrical and mechanical damage. But a properly installed snorkel can also protect your engine from the dust that would normally enter the air intake under the vehicle’s wheel well. It works just as a swimming snorkel does – by raising the air intake, your lungs have access to the water-free air above you.

It is important to note that installing a snorkel does not give your off-road vehicle an Aquaman-like ability to breathe underwater for long periods of time. Manufacturers not only set wading and intake depths based on which components are most likely to be damaged in a water crossing, but also take into account how well sealed the cabin is from water intrusion. Have you installed a lift kit or swapped out stock tires for larger ones? These factors will also impact how you approach a water crossing. 

Snorkel fitment is another important consideration. The best bet, in our experience, is to purchase a snorkel that is made specifically for your vehicle. A snug fit is important here – you don’t want any leaks! We’ve had great success with the , and have installed them on every one of our vehicles since 2010 (with the exception of the Prospector and Gladiator builds, for which AEV manufactures ). If you don’t have the tools and materials, head to your local 4×4 shop for help with installation.

A Step-By-Step Guide to Installing an ARB Safari Snorkel Intake Kit

If you do have the tools and would like to give a snorkel installation a go, we’ve set out the how-to below! Make sure to check out Episode 26 of “Oh Hey There!” with Jeff below, as the video is a great visual complement to these instructions.

1. Use the provided template to tape and mark your drilling locations .

2. Remove the template and drill the stud holes. We like to use the step-bit as it gives a nice clean cut and won’t mangle the metal as much as a normal bit would.

3. Next, cut the large hole for the airflow intake into the engine. Using a body saw is the easiest way to create the oval shape. Some kits are also designed so that you can use a four-inch hole saw to make the cut.

4. Go in and file the edges of your holes , ensuring any burrs are  removed. Follow this up with a bit of paint to prevent any rust from forming.

5. Insert the studs into the snorkel. This is just for fitment at this point. We’ll use LOCTITE later in Step 9. We want to make sure everything lines up properly, because next is our most critical step.

6. Drilling holes into the A-pillar: Mark the area in tape where the bracket will be installed, lining the holes up correctly. Drill your holes, file and paint. Finally, insert the plastic tabs that will be screwed into later.

7. To install the air intake hose , first remove the airbox. Pinch together the end of the air intake hose that goes into the engine bay. Feed it up through the wheel well and into your air intake hole. Once that is in place, place your clamp around the air intake hose and reinstall the airbox.

8. Place the collar around the other end of the hose, which should be accessible through the large oval snorkel hole.

9. Put LOCTITE on the studs in the snorkel . Now you’re ready to mount the snorkel onto the vehicle.

10. Once that is complete, loosely screw the washers and nuts into the wheel well . We do this so that the bracket on the A-Pillar can be lined up first. Once lined up, make sure to tighten up the nuts in the wheel well and the bolts located on the A-pillar. Ensure your hose clamps are nice and tight as well, both inside the wheel well and inside the engine bay. 

11. The last step is to install the ram head. Insert the clamp around the base of the ram head first – slide it on top and tighten it down. We like to face the screw clamp to the back so that we don’t snag anything on it when we’re on the trail. 

Finally, for river crossings it is a good idea to extend your diff breathers and make sure your electrical components are also protected.

We hope this post has proved helpful! Does your vehicle have a snorkel? If so, have you noticed an improvement in the health of your engine and air filters? How about installation? Have you installed your own snorkel? Let us know if you have any questions below.

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6 snorkel setups for 2nd & 3rd gen tacoma.

Welcome back to another community poll. This is a column interview Q&A with independent owner-submitted feedback from the overland community – centered around one topic. Each owner has thoroughly tested their products through off-roading or overlanding and gives us their honest opinion review of their set-up.

I’m sure at this point you have seen and may even know what a snorkel is. For those of you who don’t, let’s quickly go over this cool modification.

Contrary to popular belief, these additions are not just added for aesthetics but also to protect your truck’s air intake as you explore.

Snorkels are responsible for feeding clearer air into the engine when crossing water or sandy trails. Think of it exactly like a snorkel you would use to go snorkeling in the water. Without one, you wouldn’t be able to breathe underwater. This same concept applies to your engine. It also helps to get the intake farther away from the dust. You even have the option to add a pre-cleaner, which helps even more with stopping debris.

Note: The builds listed below are in no particular order.

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• ARB Safari Snorkel: Check Price

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How do snorkels work.

Installing a snorkel isn’t too hard. Essentially, you’ll have to cut a hole into the side of your fender (I promise it’s not as scary as it sounds). A snorkel then mounts to that hole and attaches to your engine’s air intake. Voila, your Tacoma has now leveled up and you’re prepared to face those deeper water crossings.

But how does it even work, you ask? Well, let’s start by going over hydro-locking. Let’s say you decide to drive your snorkel-less Tacoma into 3-foot-deep water (on accident, of course). This results in water entering your engine through your air intake, which is located in the front passenger wheel well. That water will flood your engine, ultimately causing it to seize. The repair is very expensive.

This is where a snorkel comes in, by rerouting air intake higher up. Now, instead of driving through water and flooding your intake, your air source will be raised by a couple of feet; thus reducing the chance of sucking in water. However, I still wouldn’t drive through 3 feet of water.

While water prevention is the main advantage of snorkel setups, there are a few others that should be mentioned as well, including:

• Prevents other contaminants from entering the engine
• Improves engine performance while reducing wear and tear
• Provides access to cleaner and cooler air on those hot and dusty trail runs
• It looks cool

1. Mike Chon: ARB Safari

Snorkel Setup

• ARB USA Safari Snorkel
• Snorkel Upgrade Sy-Klone Series 9001 Air Pre-Cleaner Head

Why Do You Like About Your Setup?

Being in the PNW, we tend to get a lot of rain which can translate to deep water crossings. In the summer, however, we also have a ton of dusty trails that have left my airbox and filter looking less than desirable.

I chose to go with the ARB snorkel paired with the Sy-Klone pre-cleaner head for complete protection against the elements. There are a couple of different snorkel options, but ARB is known for having both their quality and fitment on point.

Although the standard Safari head does a better job of blocking out the elements and debris than the OEM inlet, the Sy-Klone head is in a class of its own. My airbox has remained clean and dry since I swapped over to it.

2. Allen Jay Udaundo: Dobinsons

• Dobinsons Snorkel Kit

I picked this snorkel setup because it’s high quality and not that expensive. The Snorkel Upgrade head allows the snorkel to work more efficiently by separating the debris to the bottom of the pre-cleaner. Without this addition, your engine will have a higher chance of taking in more dust, grime, and heat.

3. Maxim Bethurem: eBay

• eBay Snorkel

I picked the eBay snorkel because of its bang for the buck. I purchased mine for $145, which was shipped to my house in four days. It looks similar to the Dobinsons snorkel at half the cost. I figured with a tube of plastic; there wasn’t much a knockoff could mess up.

Fitment is pretty solid, and it comes with a template. Overall, I love it; great design, build quality, and function.

4. Edgar De La Paz: Custom-Made

• Custom Fabricated Snorkel by Fabzone Armor

The reason why I went the custom route is that none of the styles that were available on the market were appealing to me. All of them were either too bulky or too expensive.

I had always been a fan of the simple tube-style rear-facing snorkel made by Australian companies such as In House Fab and that’s where I drew my inspiration for what I have now. Made out of 4” OD aluminum, the top of the pipe sits high enough to pull in cleaner air and allow full function of what you would expect from a traditional snorkel.

My favorite part about the snorkel is its unique smoke stack-looking design and how well it works when I’m out wheeling on the trails.

5. JR Palisoc: ARB Safari

I picked the ARB Safari snorkel because I knew that it had good reviews and was a well-known brand with quality products. It also helped a lot that this particular snorkel was not hard to install and the instructions were super easy. I also think it looks awesome on my 3rd Gen Tacoma and that the fit goes great with the rest of my build.

6. Konrad Chojnowski: ARB Safari

I really like the look of a traditional snorkel design. ARB has had a similar design for years, and I had my eye on one since I first got my truck. My previous build, a 4th Gen 4Runner, had one from eBay (maybe it was Amazon). The fitment was okay, but it was also not made for the 4th Gen. I digress – the snorkel proved useful in many situations in the past, and again, I like the aesthetics. Went with an ARB one this time and I’m stoked. It was especially necessary since I don’t currently have fender liners (coming soon).

Final Thoughts

That’s a wrap on another Tacoma Tuesday!

It’s pretty amazing that this simple mod provides so much protection to your engine and allows you to travel to places where you might not be able to without it. If you haven’t looked into getting a snorkel for your truck, we hope this post was able to spark some interest!

Marie Dubray

Marie loves exploring Washington State with her family and friends. She runs PNW Overlanders and setups trail rides every month with overlanders of all experience levels.

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Beginner's guide to snorkeling and underwater adventure!

Last updated on: November 8, 2020 By: Sarah Dungan

How Do Snorkels Work? (Wet, Semi-Dry, and Dry Snorkels)

Humans have been using snorkels for centuries. Whether it was sponge farming in ancient Greece or “human submarines” spearfishing in the 1930s , a hollow tube is an intuitive solution for uninterrupted below-water activity. Because the basic idea of the snorkel is so intuitive, most folks don’t give them a lot of extra thought. However, there’s more to how snorkels work than meets the eye. Most modern snorkels don’t look anything like a simple hollow reed, after all!

Modern snorkels are designed to be safe, durable, and easy-to-use. This includes considering the length of the tube for effective gas exchange, ergonomic shapes, sterile comfortable mouthpieces, and special features to help keep water out of the tube.

How Snorkels Work: The Basic Parts of a Snorkel

All snorkels have a few basic components in common. There’s the main tube, a mouthpiece, and a mechanism for attaching the snorkel to a dive mask. The simplest snorkels, often called “classic snorkels” have just these three parts.

In the old days, snorkel tubes were straight with a J-curve for the mouthpiece. Modern snorkels, however, feature contoured tubes that make for a much more comfortable fit around your face.

Regardless of the snorkel tube’s shape, its purpose is to allow gas exchange between your mouth and surface air while keeping your face submerged below the water.

Lungs have evolved to exchange enough gas on each breath to ensure you’re well-oxygenated at all times (unless you have a lung ailment or disease of some kind, of course). However, a snorkel adds a small amount of extra air volume that needs exchanging on each breath. That means your lungs will have to do a bit of extra work to account for this “dead space”. Fully exchanging the air in your snorkel on each breath is best accomplished by breathing deeply .

This is one reason why we can’t make snorkels that are meters and meters long to reach great depths. With a too-long snorkel, stale air that’s high in carbon dioxide from your exhales would accumulate in the tube. For example, European standards limit adult recreational snorkels to a maximum of 38 cm long and 230 mL in volume . Breathing at great depths also requires your air supply to be pressurized (e.g. via tank or pump). Breathing surface-pressure air from a meters-long tube isn’t possible because your lungs cannot inflate against the high water pressure at those depths.

Modern snorkel mouthpieces are made from soft, high-quality silicone (high or pure silicone content). Not only is silicone more comfortable and longer-lasting than natural rubber, but it’s also easy to clean and hypoallergenic. Mouthpieces also tend to be detachable and replaceable (e.g. for cleaning or if you chew out the bite tabs).

All snorkel mouthpieces have a similar design with a flap that makes a seal on the inside of your lips and two bite-tabs for resting your teeth on. Different brands will patent slightly different mouthpiece shapes for improved ergonomics or comfort. For example, some fancy mouthpieces have special bite-tabs with extra soft silicone or even moldable silicone for a customized fit with your teeth. Aqualung has also patented Comfo-Bite mouthpieces for their snorkels and SCUBA regulators, which feature larger silicone panels that don’t require “holding on” with your teeth like traditional bite-tabs.

Ideally, you shouldn’t be clamping down hard on the mouthpiece or straining to close your lips around it. Instead, you should keep your lips and jaw relaxed. If you find a mouthpiece is uncomfortable, it might be too big for you. Mostly, mouthpieces are one-size-fits-all, but there are some snorkels that come with the option for a smaller mouthpiece.

Mask attachment

The simplest mask attachment mechanism is a snorkel keeper . A snorkel keeper is just two loops of silicone attached at the center like a figure-eight.

Though many modern snorkels come with fancier clips that allow speedy attachment and detachment, and that pivot in multiple directions for comfort, I still find the simple snorkel keeper the most effective attachment mechanism.

Tip: Keep a spare snorkel keeper or two in your dive/snorkel kit in case you lose one, or if your mask attachment clip breaks!

How Do You Breathe Underwater With a Snorkel?

For snorkeling, breathing deeply is important for getting adequate oxygen. Deep breathing ensures that all the air in your snorkel tube is exchanged each time you breathe.

Have you ever found yourself feeling fatigued or dizzy while snorkeling? Perhaps even a slight headache? This is likely from breathing air with too much carbon dioxide content that’s built up in your tube.

Related Post: How to Breathe While Snorkeling (Breath and Buoyancy Control)

Generally, larger snorkels work well with larger people and vice versa. Larger snorkels have larger volumes, so your lungs must have the capacity to exchange that volume on each breath. If you’re not used to snorkeling or deep breathing, then you’ll better off with lower volume snorkel (shorter and/or narrower).

How Do Classic (“Wet”) Snorkels Work?

In its most minimal form, a wet snorkel is only a silicone mouthpiece attached to a J-shaped tube. Some wet snorkels will also have a flexible tube and a purge valve, though these features are more common on dry and semi-dry snorkels.

Air Exchange is Easier

Because classic snorkels tend to be designed for apneic sports (freediving, spearfishing), they’re often shorter, narrower, and lighter than semi-dry and dry snorkels. That means it’s relatively easy to exchange all the air in the tube on each breath.

Tube Clearance is Challenging

On the other hand, the minimalist design of classic snorkels also means they typically don’t have a purge valve. That means you must be able to expel water out the top of the snorkel if it floods. If you don’t have much practice with tube-clearance, a classic snorkel can be challenging to use.

Classic Snorkels Work Best For Experienced Snorkelers

If you’re experienced with tube clearance and you like duck-diving (diving a few meters below the surface) while you snorkel, then a classic snorkel is best for you. You might also prefer a classic snorkel if you’re interested in freediving or spearfishing. Lastly, some folks (myself included) simply prefer classic snorkels because they’re lighter and more streamlined. If you’ve found that most recreational snorkels you’ve tried feel too bulky or clunky, try a classic snorkel next time!

How Do Semi-Dry Snorkels Work?

The semi-dry snorkel represents something of a compromise between the classic wet snorkel and the dry snorkel. Semi-dry snorkels are characterized by splash guards, flex tubes, and purge valves.

A Splash Guard Helps To Keep Water Out

Splash guards help to keep water from choppy waves, splashes, or spray from getting in through the top of the snorkel tube. The splash guard is typically a molded piece of plastic that sits on top of the snorkel opening. When well designed, angled slits and baffles on the splash guard effectively shunt water away from the opening without impeding airflow.

A Purge Valve Helps With Tube Clearance

Most semi-dry snorkels also have a purge valve. The purge valve is housed in a reservoir below the mouthpiece where excess water can collect. The bottom of the reservoir has a soft silicone mushroom valve that will open when you forcefully exhale to clear the tube . This valve makes tube clearing easier because you don’t have to force all the water out the top of the tube.

Tip: Choose a snorkel where the purge valve is indented into the reservoir somewhat, not exposed on the outside. An exposed purge valve is more prone to accidentally opening due to currents or even quick movements of your head and body.

A Flex Tube Provides a Customizable Fit

Flex tubes can be present on all types of snorkels, but they’re especially common on semi-dry and dry snorkels. The main advantage of flex tubes is that they give you the freedom to adjust the positioning of the mouthpiece, which makes for a more comfortable fit . The mouthpiece will also fall away from your face when it’s not in your mouth. Some folks appreciate this, while others may find the dangling mouthpiece annoying. The only case where a flex tube is a must-have is if you’re using the snorkel during SCUBA activity. In this case, you’ll need the mouthpiece out of your way when using your regulator.

Semi-Dry Snorkels Work Well For Many Activities

Chances are the first snorkel you ever tried was a semi-dry snorkel. They’re accessible to beginners and experienced snorkelers alike. For casual activity, a dangling mouthpiece (from a flex tube) is a plus for occasionally popping above the surface to have a chat with your buddy. Semi-dry snorkels also come in a broad range of styles and sizes, meaning sleeker models can be used for breath-hold sports too.

If you want a versatile snorkel that you can use for almost any underwater activity, there’s probably a semi-dry model out there for you!

How Do Dry Snorkels Work?

A dry snorkel is characterized by a float valve mechanism near the opening of the tube. The float valve seals the dry snorkel if it becomes completely submerged. For example, this might happen if you take a dive or a large wave rolls over you.

A Float Valve Keeps Almost All Water Out

Though the specifics vary across brands and models, all dry valves use buoyancy to open and close the snorkel opening. A buoyant material (a float) attaches to a hinge mechanism that pushes a flap over the dry snorkel’s opening. If the top of the snorkel is submerged, the float mechanism will rise up to close the opening. At the surface, the mechanism opens again, allowing you to start breathing immediately. In other words, dry snorkels almost never need to be cleared of water.

Can You Breathe Underwater With a Dry Snorkel?

Unfortunately, the name “dry snorkel” seems to have created some confusion as to how they work. “Dry” refers to the fact that they don’t get flooded with water when submerged. That does not mean you can breathe underwater with it! You cannot breathe underwater with a dry snorkel if the snorkel is completely submerged. There is simply not enough air trapped in the tube for you to breathe with!

Dry Snorkels Work Best For Surface-Only Activity

Dry snorkels are the best choice for total beginners and anyone who has difficulty with the technique of clearing water from the snorkel tube. A dry snorkel might also be a good choice if you never intend to do any diving with your snorkel. Even though the float valve makes dry snorkels very comfortable and convenient to use at the water’s surface, the air they trap in the tube when submerged makes them cumbersome for any kind of diving. Dry snorkels are buoyant underwater because of the trapped air, which means they can tug on your mask strap awkwardly if you’re scuba diving or freediving, for example.

Related Post: The Best Dry Snorkels (Pros and Cons)

Summary: How Snorkels Work

• Snorkels come in three broad styles: classic (wet), semi-dry, and dry
• The essential parts of a snorkel are a mouthpiece, tube, and mask attachment mechanism
• Semi-dry snorkels have a splash guard and a purge valve
• Dry snorkels have a float valve (in addition to a splash guard and purge valve), which eliminates the need for tube clearance
• All snorkel styles may have a flex tube
• The “dead space” air in classic snorkels is easier to fully exchange on each breath, but tube clearance is challenging due to lack of purge valve
• Semi-dry snorkels are the most versatile and widely available style of snorkel
• Dry snorkels are best for total beginners and surface-only activity

How do different snorkels work out for you? Do you prefer a classic/wet, semi-dry, or dry snorkel? Let me know in the comments!

Related Posts

Snorkeling: How to Breathe Like an Expert

The Best Kicking Technique For Snorkelers (It’s Not a Flutter Kick!)

How To Choose a Mask and Snorkel That Suits Your Face and Ability

How Do Swim Fins Work? (The Physics of Finning)

Some of the links used in this article are affiliate links ( learn more here ). That means I may get a small commission if you buy a product after following the link (at no extra cost to you!). If this article helped you understand which kind of snorkel is best for you, consider it like giving me a little thank you!

Reader Interactions

July 21, 2020 at 11:52 am

It’s simple. The best snorkel is the simplest one. Thus, everyone shuld learn to use a wet snorkel. Choose one that has an inner diameter as close to the one of your windpipe (e.g. ~2cm). Cut the surplus length off, leaving the opening about 5-6 cm above the top of your head. Anyone can learn to keep their head in such position that no water enters the tube. As you surface, you have to expel the used air, so the, will bring t water will be expelled naturally with no complications. Or, keeping your face up while surfacing will pour the water out of the snorkel, and the few drops left in there are even easier to clear. I’d say, plain forget the tube-top mechanisms and add-ons. These are just commercial thingies that no-one really needs. Besides, wet snorkels do not tug on your mask or mouth, trying to float up, because they’re buoyancy-neutral, and that saves energy. Keep’em short, keep’em simple, and you’ll be safe.

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Why You Need a Snorkel Pre-Filter

Once you start to take your vehicle off-road, it is likely that you will become quickly enamored by the vast treasure trove of off-roading accessories that you can add to your vehicle.

One particularly popular piece of kit is the snorkel. This gadget allows your vehicle’s engine to get sufficient airflow, even if your vehicle is traversing through deep water or dust-ridden landscapes. 

Often advertised alongside these snorkels will be a snorkel pre filter, also known as a snorkel pre-cleaner . A lot of people tend to skip over them because they aren’t 100% sure what they do, or whether they need one. So, we decided to put together this page. 

We want to run you through the purpose of a snorkel pre-air filter, as well as give you an idea of some of the best options on the market.

What is a Snorkel Pre-Filter?

If you have a vehicle you take off-road regularly, then chances are that you either have a snorkel on it, or you are considering having a snorkel installed.

The purpose of a snorkel is to allow air to continue to flow through to the engine. They are often used to ensure that vehicles get air flowing to the engine when the vehicle is driving through deeper water. 

However, they can also be used to ensure that cleaner air flows into the vehicle. This is because the snorkel will be positioned higher than normal air intakes , and the air tends to be cleaner up there as it isn’t dealing with as much dust as lower down on the vehicle. 

A pre-air filter is a separate attachment that connects up to the snorkel. The pre-air filter, essentially, cleans the air before it flows down into the engine. This ensures that as little dust, water, and whatever else is flowing down to that engine. This helps to improve performance on the road.

How Does a Pre-Cleaner Work?

There are a couple of different types of pre-cleaner on the market.

You have the older style pre-cleaner which is commonly referred to as a ‘dust bowl’. These take in air from underneath the pre-filter. 

As this air is sucked in, some fan blades spin rapidly. This motion keeps dust and the like away from the snorkel inlet. Every so often (probably a couple of times per drive), you will have to empty the pre-cleaner.

The second style, and the far more common type nowadays, is a centrifugal pre-cleaner. It is still just a big dust bowl. However, it has the addition of an exhaust vent. 

With this type of pre-cleaner, the dust and air will flow in. A rotor inside of the pre-cleaner will spin incredibly fast. This forces the dust away from the snorkel inlet. 

The dust will continue to be pushed around until it leaves through the exhaust. These pre-air filters need to be cleaned out far less often.

Why Install a Snorkel Pre-Filter?

Snorkels do a decent job at trying to ensure that dust and water don’t clog them up. However, they are not perfect. If they are suddenly hit by a ton of dust or water, then they are going to get clogged.

If your snorkel gets clogged, then air won’t be able to flow into the engine. This means that performance on the road may be drastically reduced. In fact, your engine may just stop working altogether.

A snorkel pre-cleaner helps to prevent this. The pre-cleaner is able to handle the huge amounts of dust that the snorkel on its own wouldn’t be able to handle. 

This helps to keep the airflow unrestricted and will allow your vehicle to perform better in all conditions.

A pre-filter will also help to protect that filter inside the snorkel. This means a longer lifespan on the actual filter and, ultimately, a longer lifespan on the snorkel. you are going to save a lot of money over time. 

Why Not Install a Pre-Filter?

There aren’t really any huge downsides to having a pre-cleaner installed on your snorkel. There are a couple of downsides, but nothing that cannot easily be overcome. 

Obviously, the price is going to be the ‘big factor’ here. Pre-filters aren’t going to be cheap. However, you do need to remember that because they will increase the lifespan of your vehicle’s snorkel, it is likely that you will save money in the long term.

The only other issue is that pre-cleaners are just another thing that you need to maintain with your vehicle. 

You will have to clean them out every so often. Granted, this is something that will only take a couple of minutes, but it is still a hassle.

Top 3 Snorkel Pre-Filters Reviewed

There are countless snorkel pre-filters on the market. Far too many to count. Some of them are good, others not quite so much. 

Since we know you probably don’t want to spend too much time going through all of the options available, we have done the research for you. 

Let us introduce you to what we believe are the top 3 snorkel pre-filters on the market. 

Do bear in mind that there isn’t really a huge number of features on any snorkel pre-filter. It really is a huge dust collection bowl. 

So, we have purely selected these options based upon how much dust they are able to remove, plus their robustness. You will find that we have an option for each of the most popular snorkels on the market too.

Rugged Ridge XHD

• The snorkel pre-filter uses clonic action to separate sand, dust, and debris before it reaches the air filter, an important feature for especially dusty trail rides.
• Count on Rugged Ridge to provide you with proven Jeep parts & accessories
• Our Rugged Ridge products are covered by industry leading 5 year warra

Rugged Ridge produces a huge range of off-roading accessories for Jeeps. The Rugged Ridge XHD Pre-Filter is designed to be paired up with their Jeep snorkel system.

This particular pre-filter uses a clonic action to stop all that dust from getting into the main snorkel. This is just a really fancy term for spinning the dust around incredibly fast. 

While there is no exhaust on the Rugged Ridge XHD, there is enough space inside of this pre-filter to give you hours of driving on even the dustiest surfaces before you need to give it a clean. 

The reason why we have put the Rugged Ridge XHD at the top of our list is due to the huge amount of dust that it is able to remove from the air. 

Normally, when you use lesser pre-air filters, there will be some sort of restricted airflow down into the engine. You may see that gauge for engine airflow to stutter a bit. 

You don’t get that with the Rugged Ridge XHD, even if you are driving through a cloud of dust. This goes to show just how hard it is working to keep that snorkel nice and clean.

It is an easy install too. It takes barely two minutes to get it connected up to your Rugged Ridge snorkel. This is fantastic because it means the whole cleaning process should take no longer than 5-minutes. This is perfect after a long, tiring day out there on the trails.

If that wasn’t enough, this is a solidly built piece of kit. A lot of people are concerned by the fact that the Rugged Ridge XHD is made of glass. 

However, it is robust glass. Barely anything is going to crack it. It really helps to add to the aesthetics of the snorkel pre-filter too. If something does go wrong, then you will be pleased to know that Rugged Ridge offers a rather substantial 5-year warranty. 

This is how confident they are that their pre-filter is going to stand up to the perils of the trail. 

ARB Safari Snorkel Pre-Cleaner

The ARB Safari Snorkel Pre-Cleaner works in much the same way as the previous one. However, this has been designed to fit onto Safari snorkels which, of course, fit far more vehicles than just a Jeep.

Perhaps the biggest difference between this pre-cleaner and the one from Rugged Ridge is the construction material. This one actually uses tough plastic rather than glass. 

Some people have found this to be a little bit durable. However, to be honest with you, the glass of the previous option was tough enough that we don’t see a major difference.

If you do want to use this on your Rugged Ridge snorkel, then you may be able to do so. However, it can involve a small amount of tinkering, and most people don’t find it worth the effort. 

So, stick this snorkel pre-filter on your Safari and you should be ‘good to go’.  

The dust collection is sublime and, once again, you should be able to get a whole dusty drive out of it before you have to empty the filter, which barely takes a couple of minutes. 

This is so effective at dust collection that you likely wouldn’t even notice a drop in the performance of your vehicle either.

Donaldson Pre-Cleaner for Snorkel 

• Built for the long haul
• First-fit choice of OEs and the preferred choice for filter Replacem

We want to wrap up with the Donaldson pre-filter. First-fit choice of OE’s.

This is a little bit different from the previous two options because this one uses centrifugal force in combination with an exhaust to kick that dust right out of the pre-filter. 

This means that you likely will never have to empty it yourself. 

Although, you may need to do a spot of cleaning if you have driven through an immensely dusty area. Although, it would have to be really dusty.

This pre-filter has been designed to fit on 4″ snorkels. Although, adapters are available to let you fit it on a snorkel of just about any size below 4-inches.

It has been made from tough polymer, which means that it is capable of putting up with some pretty horrendous conditions with ease. 

You do not have to worry about it rusting. You do not have to worry about it cracking. All you need to do is focus on driving.

Airflow should be fairly stable into the Donaldson Pre-Filter too. It should be 100 to 275 CFM depending on the conditions. This is more than enough to not see a drop in performance for most situations. 

A snorkel pre-filter isn’t really the most sophisticated gadget in the world. However, if you have a snorkel on your off-roading vehicle, it is probably one of the most useful that you can have. 

It will allow you to dart around some rugged trails without the fear of tearing your snorkel to shreds with mounds of dust piling up into it. 

It will allow air to flow properly into the engine. This means that you never see a dip in performance. They are, in our opinion, a must buy.

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• Domestic: Full Size

Safari Snorkel conversion - how to guide

• Thread starter 02TahoeMD
• Start date Aug 29, 2008

• Aug 29, 2008

Expedition Leader

Nice job! It looks great. I feel your pain when you mention the lack of expedition goodies.  

mountainpete

Spamicus eliminatus.

Great write up and the end result looks wonderful. You sure did blaze a new trail on this one!  

Northern Explorer

Your truck looks good. Here is a link to someone that retro fit one on a Chevy Colorado . I'm to chicken to cut the holes.  

• Aug 30, 2008

looks good man when i can finally find one for the right price i plan to pick one up not too sure about that ducktape, how well is that going to hold up?  

Nimbl Vehicles

Freedom to roam.

• Aug 15, 2009

snorkel nice work!!! :victory: I will do the same for my Ram.  

scottg said: not too sure about that ducktape, how well is that going to hold up? Click to expand...

• Aug 30, 2009

Love the truck! I have an 05 Suburban w 6" lift and 35's...a lot of the trails I ride and take to go fishing...well I end up going through quite a bit of water...it's not a must for me but definitely something I'd like to have for those every now and again situations...also that defender roof rack, I've been looking into getting one...did the stock roof rack get in the way at all when you were installing it? or did it actually make it better for an easy fit?  

Thanks much. I have the LT roof rack and the Defender attached to it without much trouble. I used 6 hose clamps that I had painted black and then covered in heat shrink tubing to attach the side rails together. Then also fabbed up to plates that I could use to bolt the DR to the factory rack, just as extra security. It is on super tight. You can see some better pics of the rack in this post. Happy trails....  

• Sep 2, 2009

Awesome, thanks much! Definitely have that on the wish list...gotta say to that KMA tire carrier, i priced one about a month ago, that's really a damn good price, looking into that as well....  

• Sep 28, 2009

First off awesome Tahoe... Bet you've never heard that before lol. I'm kinda new to the site. I've mostly just looked at pics of the awesome trucks on here. Anyways to the point!!! I'm planning on doing a snorkel on my 99 obs Tahoe and was wondering if you think that the snorkel you used would also work for the obs style. I'm 99.9% sure it would but for some reason i still have my doubts. here a pic of my truck for no apparent reason...  

Attachments

Welcome aboard Norcal. Nice looking rig you have there. I think you could get away with using that snorkel. Here is the Suburban on CarDomain that gave me inspiration for the mod. Also, on another forum someone found a site in South America somewhere that offers snorkel kits. It is all in spanish, which unfortunately I can not translate, but their products hold promise for us GM Full Size guys who would like a snorkel. Mundo 4x4 Blazer Snorkel Oh, and thanks a million for the compliment. I appreciate it lots.  

Thanks for the welcome and the compliment. That's a nice old school burban I'm not really a fan of them but I like that one. If only I took Spanish instead of German in high school I'd totally call them up, oh well. Yea having a full-size def has its ups and downs. Doing this mod would be an upper and add a little more BA status that's for sure. Have you ever used your snorkel in the snow? If so how'd it do? I'm in Utah during the winter and I hear it snows here and I wouldn't want to suck in snow via the snorkel.  

Bullseye240

• Sep 29, 2009

If you figure out how to order that snorkel let me know as I want one for my 94 Blazer. BTW you can use translate live in Explorer 8.0 and it gives you this: SNORKEL GRAND BLAZER SNORKEL FOR GRAND BLAZER, DEVELOPED IN FIBER OF GLASS WITH ALLOYS AS FLEXIBILIZANTES AND ANTI-IMPACTO WHICH ENSURES THE RESISTANCE AND DURABILITY OF OUR SNORKELS, SO WE GIVE ONE YEAR GUARANTEE. 900Bs.F. I'm pretty sure the "fiber of glass" would hold up pretty good off road. But it also gives me an idea; make a wood "mold" the shape of the snorkel and cover it in a release agent, do a front side and then the back side. glass them together after and make my own. That way I could make it large enough for my 6.5 turbo to draw enough air through.  

NorCal - I regret that snow has not graced my state with any meaningful presence since the install of the snorkel. However, I am sure the snorkel would do fine and if I ever found the weather bad enough to cause a blockage, just turning it around so it breathed backwards would fix it. Bullseye - good idea on building your own snorkel. If you have woodworking / glassing skills it certainly sounds plausible. You may even be able to sell some.  

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How Does Snorkeling Work

If you have ever taken a vacation by the beach you might have seen people snorkeling. If you haven't tried it yet, you might be wondering just how does it work?

Snorkeling allows you to view the underwater world. Unlike scuba diving, it doesn't require loads of expensive equipment, just a mask and snorkel, plus even non-swimmers can give it a go.

Before you go on your snorkeling adventures, read on to find out all about this popular watersport and how to use a snorkel.

How Does A Snorkel Work Underwater?

Basic snorkeling equipment consists of a snorkel and a mask, that allow you to see the underwater world while you float on the surface of the water without having to come up for air.

Snorkel masks cover your eyes and nose, so you can see underwater without it going up your nose. The snorkel is a flexible tube that allows you to breathe while you have your face in the water.

You hold one end in your mouth and for air exchange to happen, the top of the tube has to poke out about the water's surface.

Next, let's take a closer look at how snorkels work, the different types of snorkels, and other pieces of snorkeling gear you might want to consider using to maximize your snorkeling experience.

How Do You Breathe Underwater With A Snorkel?

It can take a bit of time to get used to using a snorkel. It's best to try it in shallow waters or in the pool before going for deep water.

Firstly ensure your mask has a good fit and adjust the strap to fit over your head. Snorkel masks should fit snugly and form a seal around your face so they don't fill up with water or fog up.

Next, you need to make sure your snorkel is securely attached to your snorkeling mask. Snorkels have a clip towards the mouth end or a snorkel keeper, that you can use to attach them to the mask strap.

Once you are ready to enter the water, put the mask on and snorkel mouthpiece into your mouth. Your lips should keep the snorkel in place and also form a watertight seal around it. You can bite down gently on the mouthpiece, but take care as doing this too hard can result in jaw fatigue.

Slowly place your face into the water making sure the top of the tube stays above the water's surface.

You should try to breathe slowly, taking deep breaths. This helps you to conserve energy as well as ensuring good air exchange.

Once you're happy with the breathing have a go at swimming around slowly, making sure you continue to take deep breaths.

What Happens If You Get Water In The Snorkeling Gear?

Unlike scuba diving where you have your own air supply, snorkels don't let you breathe while you are fully submerged in the water.

The breathing tube can fill up if it dips below the water's surface, for example, a wave splashing over you, or if you dive underwater to get a closer look at marine life. Sometimes snorkeling masks also get water inside or fog up making to difficult to see.

Beginner snorkelers often end up getting water in their snorkel tube or mouth so it is important to know how to get rid of it and how to clear your mask.

The first thing is not to panic, remember you are close to the water surface so you can come up for air, spitting out the snorkel, letting the water drain out, and pulling the mask off if you need to clear it.

It is possible to clear water from the snorkel tube with your face still in the water. Simply breath out sharply and this will force any water out of the tube. It's worth practicing this technique before you go in the water.

Are All Snorkels The Same?

The answer is no, there are actually a few different types of snorkel you can choose from depending on your level of snorkeling experience.

Wet Snorkel

Wet snorkels are a J-shaped tube, also called J-style snorkels, J-tube snorkels, or classic snorkels.

Wet snorkels are suitable for experienced snorkelers and are often used by spearfishers and freedivers.

These traditional snorkels have the most basic design, with no special features to help keep the water out of the breathing tube, so aren't a good choice if you're a beginner snorkeler.

Semi-Dry Snorkel

The most versatile types of snorkel are semi-dry snorkels.

They offer both comfort and function, being a great choice for those who are planning on swimming underwater such as freedivers and spearfishers.

Scuba divers also use these types of snorkels for moving on the water surface to conserve their air tank supply.

Semi-dry snorkels have a splash guard at the top of the tube. 

This splash guard helps keeps water out of the snorkel that could get in there from splashes from waves or other swimmers.

Semi-dry snorkels also have a purge valve. The purge valve is located at the bottom end of the snorkel letting you get rid of water in the tube really easily.

Dry Snorkel

Dry snorkels and semi-dry snorkels have the same features such as purge valves, but dry snorkels also have a float valve.

The float valve seals up the breathing tube when it is completely submerged, stopping water from getting in.

Dry snorkels are a good idea if snorkeling in waves and are perfect for beginner snorkelers.

The float valve does, however, trap the air in the tube and can create extra buoyancy and drag if diving underwater.

For this reason, dry snorkels aren't a good option for scuba divers, freediving, or spearfishing, where you spend more time completely submerged.

What Other Snorkeling Gear Do I Need?

Although not essential you might want to consider using a snorkel vest, fins, and a wet suit.

Whether you need a wetsuit generally depends on the water temperature.

Wetsuits offer varying degrees of thermal insulation.

If you are snorkeling in cooler waters they are a must so to minimize the risk of hypothermia, but even in warmer waters, wetsuits offer sun protection.

Wetsuits can also protect you from jellyfish stings, grazes from sharp rocks and coral reefs, and other marine hazards.

Fins let you glide through the water with minimal effort.

They are useful if you are a beginner as they help you conserve energy and they also allow you to stay in the water for a longer period of time without getting too tired.

Snorkeling Vest

Snorkel vests let you float and swim while keeping your face in the water. A snorkel vest is a good idea for swimmers who aren't confident and for beginner snorkelers as they help to keep the body in the correct position for comfortable, safer snorkeling adventures.

Purchasing Your Gear

Snorkeling sets are common.  They typically come with a mask and snorkel.  Fins are sometimes included, but wetsuits and vests must be purchased separately. 

Ok, so now you know the basics of how a snorkel works, here are some frequently asked snorkeling questions.

How Does A Snorkel Mask Work?

Snorkel masks form a watertight seal over your eyes so can see underwater. They also cover your nose to keep water out.

Snorkel masks come in different sizes so it's important to find one that fits your face properly. Too small and it will get uncomfortable, too big and it won't form a watertight seal over your face.

The mask also has an adjustable head strap. Make sure it isn't loose otherwise water will get into the mask. Too tight and your snorkel experience may be less than enjoyable.

How Does A Full Face Snorkel Mask Work?

Full face snorkel masks are a single piece of snorkeling equipment, with the snorkel and mask attached.

The mask covers your whole face with the snorkel tube at the top end of the mask.

They give you a really clear view as your peripheral vision is not cut short, like with regular snorkel masks.

Full face masks also let you breathe in and out using your nose plus they don't require much effort to use, there is no biting to hold the snorkel mouthpiece.

They do unfortunately have a huge drawback. When you are wearing a full face mask for a while you can inhale high levels of carbon dioxide as it is a confined space within the mask. The increased carbon dioxide levels can cause disorientation, dizziness, and unconsciousness.

Due to their snug fit than can also be tricky to pull off, particularly if you're experiencing disorientation, and they are one of the leading causes of death while snorkeling.

Do You Need To Know How To Swim To Snorkel?

It is possible for non-swimmers to have a go at snorkeling. You can wade in your depth to view the marine life in shallow waters, for example when viewing sea turtles, or hold onto a tethered flotation device under supervision.

Wearing of life jackets or snorkel vests for non-swimmers is also recommended. To maximize your safety and also your snorkeling experience, it is better to be able to swim.

How Old Do You Have To Be To Snorkel?

There is no strict age at which a child has to be in order to try snorkeling. With special toddler snorkeling gear kids as young as two can try but most children are able to use a snorkel between around four and six years old. You can find the ​ best swim fin flippers for kids here.

Life jackets or snorkel vests can be also be used to help them float and for the most optimal snorkeling experiences being able to swim is benefit.

What Skills Are Useful For Snorkeling?

Apart from swimming, there are a few skills that can help you while snorkeling. Deep breathing and good breathing technique help keep you feeling calm and relaxed.

Deep breathing helps air exchange happen more efficiently and prevents any carbon dioxide buildup. It's a good idea to practice exhaling and inhaling deeply and slowly before jumping in the water.

Breath-hold diving can increase the length of time you can stay underwater for, allowing you to get much closer to the marine life and coral reefs.

Visit Our Snorkeling Related Articles:

Costco Snorkeling Set

Costco Wetsuit

Swimming With Whale Sharks

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Ryan Ballard

Contributing Author

Author:  Ryan Ballard

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