Off-road snorkels are a popular upgrade for those who enjoy venturing off the beaten path. They allow you to drive through deep water and other terrains that would otherwise be inaccessible. We'll share everything about off-road snorkels, including their benefits, installation tips, and the best options for your Jeep, SUV, and truck. Keep reading if you're considering purchasing a snorkel for your next off-road adventure.

How do off-road snorkels work?

Off-road snorkels are SUV and truck accessories designed to provide ventilation and allow your engine to breathe while driving through deep water or other off-road terrains. They work by extending the air intake pipe of your vehicle above the water level, allowing it to draw in clean air even when submerged. It is an excellent feature for off-road enthusiasts who want to be able to drive through any terrain without having to worry about getting stuck in the mud or water.

Benefits of installing a snorkel on an off-roading rig

Off-road snorkels provide many benefits that can make off-roading a more enjoyable experience. Some of the key benefits include:

A snorkel allows you to drive through deep water and other challenging terrains that would otherwise be inaccessible.

The snorkel's elevated position allows cooler and cleaner air to enter the engine, resulting in improved performance.

By providing a constant flow of clean air to the engine, a snorkel helps reduce engine wear and extend its life.

A snorkel can also help increase your vehicle's fuel efficiency by allowing it to run cooler.

A snorkel can also improve your visibility while off-roading, as it raises the point at which you intake air from the ground. It can be helpful when driving through deep water or other low-visibility areas.

A snorkel can help to protect your engine from dust and dirt, which can otherwise cause damage.

Different types of snorkels

There are three main types of off-road snorkels: the ram snorkel, the vortex snorkel, and the high-flow snorkel.

Ram snorkels are the simplest type of off-road snorkel and are perfect for vehicles that don't regularly travel through deep water or off-road terrain. They attach to the air intake on your car and use a ram air system to force air into the engine. This type of snorkel is ideal for those who want to increase their car's off-road capabilities without making significant modifications.

Vortex snorkels are designed for vehicles frequently traveling through deep water or off-road terrain. They feature a large diameter intake that allows more air to be drawn in, which helps to improve the performance of your car's engine when off-roading. Vortex snorkels also include a water separator to prevent water from entering the engine.

High-flow snorkels are designed for vehicles that spend a lot of time off-road. They feature a large diameter intake and a high-flow air filter, which allows more air to be drawn in and reduces the risk of water entering the engine. High-flow snorkels are also typically fitted with a heat shield to protect the air filter from excessive heat.

When choosing an off-road snorkel for your vehicle, it's essential to consider the type of off-roading you plan on doing and the capabilities of your car. It's also crucial to ensure your chosen snorkel is compatible with your vehicle.

Installing a snorkel can be tricky and may require some modification to your vehicle, so it's best to have it professionally installed. However, if you are experienced with car modifications and feel confident in completing the installation yourself, there are DIY kits available.

Snorkel installation tips

The first step is determining where you'd like to install the snorkel on your vehicle. There are a few different options, but the most common location is on the vehicle's roof. You'll need to remove the hood and loosen the bolts that hold the windshield in place to lift it off.

Once you have access to the inside of the vehicle, you can begin installing the snorkel. The first step is to feed the snorkel through the opening in the hood. Next, you'll need to attach the adapter to the top of the snorkel and attach it to the air intake hose. Finally, reattach the windshield and tighten all of the bolts. You're now ready to take on deep water and other off-road obstacles with your new off-road snorkel.

Top 5 off-road snorkels in the market

This tough and stylish snorkel kit helps move the air intake duct up high and out of the way, protecting your engine from water ingestion and hydro locking. The sleek black exterior look with high-flow ducting adds style and strength while helping improve your vehicle's performance. Plus, the unique evacuation system helps more effectively disperse rain and unwanted moisture from the system before it reaches your air box.

Looking for a snorkel system that won't restrict your Jeep's off-roading abilities? Check out the Rugged Ridge XHD Low/High Mount Snorkel System. This modular system allows you to relocate the stock air intake location, keeping the filter clear of dust and preventing hydro-locking of your engine. With the Rugged Ridge XHD, you can still fold down the windshield and remove the doors - making it the perfect choice for those who want to keep their Jeep's off-roading capabilities intact. Plus, with the optional Ram high mount, you can extend the air intake up an additional 21 inches - giving you the best in clearance and protection. 

Check out the K&N Performance Air Intake System. This snorkel is guaranteed to add horsepower, improve throttle response, and give your engine a deeper, throatier sound. Plus, it's built to last with high-quality materials and components. Installation is quick and easy, thanks to a clever design that ties into existing mounting points. Also, the high-flow, open-element filter can be used for years before it needs to be serviced.

Introducing the Hauk Offroad Cast Snorkel. This premium snorkel kit is constructed of cast aluminum for improved durability and performance and includes a powder-coat finish and high-flow design for enhanced appearance and efficiency. It comes with heavy-duty ducting to connect the exterior snorkel to the factory airbox. The stainless steel hardware is included for mounting and connecting this snorkel. The Hauk Offroad Cast Snorkel is available in various colors with an epoxy coating to customize your look.

If you're on the hunt for a snorkel kit for your Jeep Wrangler TJ and want to ensure you don't break the bank, Red Rock 4x4's option is worth checking out. This kit makes it possible to relocate your air intake without replacing the standard factory air box on JK Wranglers. Plus, installation is fast and easy since it's a single-piece snorkel.

You must take note that since this is a budget option, you may run into some fit-and-finish issues here and there. Some folks have complained that the templates don't always line up perfectly with the parts, resulting in more cutting and shaping than the directions suggest. However, most buyers seem pretty happy with their purchase overall and haven't had too many problems.

Conclusion

Off-road snorkels tend to be expensive and may not be necessary for everyone. If you're interested in off-roading, especially for the sake of exploration and adventure, a snorkel may be a worthwhile investment. But if you're mainly looking for a way to improve your vehicle's performance off-road, then you may want to consider other truck or Jeep accessories and stick with usual off-roading upgrades such as mud tires and suspension lift kits.