What Is A Jeep Snorkel | Top 5 Wrangler Snorkels
The Jeep Wrangler is an off-road beast. It is built with the capabilities to handle the roughest terrains. But there are some limitations to what a stock Jeep Wrangler can do, necessitating the need to install upgrades and mods. In this guide, you will learn what is a Jeep snorkel and what are the best Wrangler snorkels so you can elevate your off-road experience.
Key Highlights
• A snorkel is an essential accessory for off-road vehicles as it helps with water crossing and navigating other off-road conditions.
• A snorkel is made of hard ABS plastic and is designed to be UV-treated and impact-resistant. It protects the factory air-box to prevent water from entering into the engine and causing the engine to seize.
• Discover the top 5 Wrangler snorkels worth your investment, whether you’re wading through deep waters or conquering sands and other off-road paths.
What is a Jeep Snorkel?
A snorkel is one of the best accessories to install on your Jeep Wrangler, especially if your off-road excursions involve a lot of wading through water. However, there is a misconception around snorkels with many Jeep owners thinking that they are designed only for water crossings. There is a lot more to a Jeep snorkel than most people think, which is something you must understand before you go out shopping for one.
It is for this same misconception that many people believe installing a snorkel on a Jeep is unnecessary if you’re off-roading mostly in dry and rocky lands. But there is more to a snorkel than meets the eye, which you will find out more later on.
But first, what is a Jeep snorkel?
This accessory acts as an extended breathing tube for Jeep vehicles. Think of it as a snorkeling mask when swimming. It helps the Wrangler achieve optimal air intake when above water level. Air intake is critical during vehicle operation, especially during deep water crossings. It is dangerous when the water level rises above the hood, which risks water going into the factory air box.
Danger of Water Leaks on the Factory Air Box
It is dangerous when excessive amount of water makes it into the air box. When this occurs, water could enter the engine. And when too much water goes into the engine, it is unable to compress and it could cause the engine to seize up. This results in an incident known as hydro-lock.
A hydro-locked engine will require major engine repair costs as it will most likely involve an engine replacement. If you do a lot of off-roading, make sure to obtain the Jeep Warranty to avoid the costs involved with repairing a damaged engine due to hydro-locking.
When you install a snorkel on your Jeep Wrangler, it helps to seal the air box to prevent water from entering the engine. The elevated dry source of air gives you confidence when wading through water and conquering other challenges in off-road conditions.
Given the unpredictability of many water crossings when off-road driving, having a snorkel on a Jeep Wrangler lets you conquer any water or muddy crossing. With the off-road prowess of the Wrangler, you should not worry about depth and traction. With a snorkel, you can get extra protection, ensuring proper airflow and preventing water damage to the engine.
Aside from water, snorkels also protect the engine from dust, sand, and other foreign particles that could contaminate the engine. There is no excuse to installing a snorkel given that it is a relatively inexpensive modification.
Top 5 Wrangler Snorkels
1. Mopar Snorkel-Air Intake
Starting off the list of the top 5 Wrangler snorkels is the Mopar Snorkel-Air Intake. It is designed for the 2018-2024 2.0L or 3.6L Jeep Wrangler JL models. It is made from durable glass fiber polypropylene material with a large air inlet opening of 95mm wide and 76mm tall. It directs air into the engine while improving horsepower, torque and performance.
2. Rugged Ridge AmFib Low/High Mount Snorkel System
This snorkel from Rugged Ridge fits the 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler JL models. With this snorkel, you can reinforce the Wrangler’s off-road capability and performance and gives you more confidence to tackle deep river crossings. It features a modular design with low and high mount intakes. It is made with a high-strength, premium ABS construction that is weatherproof and impact-resistant. The intrinsic styling of this snorkel also fits into the JL’s factory trim.
3. AEV Snorkel Kit for Highline Fender Flares
Installing the AEV Snorkel Kit on the 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler JL models enhances its capability and style. It is suited for Highline Fender Flares, which means it is not suited for the EcoDiesel models. Improving the vehicle’s air intake boosts engine performance while adding an aggressive and rugged appearance to your Jeep. It is easy to install without drilling.
4. ARB Safari Snorkel
Aside from handling deep river crossings, this ARB Safari Snorkel can also protect your Wrangler’s engine in dry environments. It ensures that the air intake is free from dust and other foreign particles that could enter the engine. It has a functional air ram system that eliminates water from the incoming air stream, ensuring a clean, dry air to avoid any issues with your Jeep. It is made from premium quality polyethylene and is durable enough to be UV-resistant. The snorkel is coated with high-grade stainless steel and plated hardware, allowing it to resist corrosion.
5. Borne Off-Road Snorkel
Don’t let the fender-deep river crossings end your off-road adventure with the Borne Off-Road Snorkel. Equipping your Wrangler with this accessory ensures you can tackle any water excursion with ease as it raises your air intake to the roofline. Aside from crossing water, this off-road snorkel is also built to protect your engine from sand and snow. Thus, it can also be a great addition to your Wrangler if you like to embark on off-road desert and winter adventures. With its rigid quality using a high-grade, UV-resistant polyethylene material, you can rest assured that this snorkel assembly is built to last.
Should You Install a Jeep Snorkel?
Now that you know what is a Jeep and the top 5 Wrangler snorkels, is it worth the investment? Off-road enthusiasts would agree that a snorkel is one of the best modifications to this vehicle as it can prolong the engine life, especially when you expose your vehicle to harsh off-road conditions and elements. If you’ve had the unfortunate situation of replacing your engine, then you know how costly that can be compared to the cost of a snorkel.
But ultimately, it depends purely up to the Jeep owner and the type of off-road conditions they take their Wrangler to.
FAQs
Do I need a Jeep snorkel?
If you take your Jeep Wrangler to do lots of off-roading, investing in a snorkel is a good idea. It can prevent water from entering the factory air box and making its way to the engine, which can involve a costly repair or engine replacement.
Do snorkels increase fuel consumption?
Quite the contrary, adding a snorkel to your Jeep not only improves its ability to cross deep water crossings without sucking water into the engine, an unknown benefit to this modification is its ability to reduce fuel consumption. The reason for this is that it makes your engine run cleaner, which drives more engine power and better fuel efficiency.
How deep can a stock Jeep Wrangler go in water?
The stock Jeep Wrangler can wade through as much as 30 inches of water at a slow speed. However, it would be much safer to do it at 20 inches, especially if you are unsure about the status of the lake bed, as the added weight from the vehicle could cause you to sink several more inches once you’re crossing the water.
Are snorkels only for diesel?
No, adding a snorkel works for any vehicle that uses petrol or diesel.
Do snorkels reduce airflow?
If properly installed, snorkels do not restrict airflow. The only way it can reduce airflow is if the snorkel intake diameter is the same or lower than the original intake diameter. To avoid this problem, it is better to have professionals install the snorkel on your Jeep.
