Interestingly, the snorkel mod seems to be the most challenging one to make yet the most simple to install. 

Some of the questions we received daily are things like, 

Do you need a snorkel or do you not? 

Do they even work? 

I didn’t realise there were various options. What one should you choose? 

What’s the difference between stainless snorkels and plastic? 

If you're a seasoned 4WD-er or new to the game you've probably mulled over these questions more than once. After all, when it comes to taming the untamed, every mod counts.

This article strips away the mystery surrounding 4WD snorkels and lays bare their true power. 

Whether you're kicking up dust on desert tracks or forging through river crossings, a snorkel could mean the difference between conquering the trail and being left high and dry.

If you are going to spend a lot of time on dirt roads that’s what you should put your decision down to. 

Stay tuned till the end where we unveil the hottest brands to help you gear up for your next off-road adventure.

This is one mod you won't want to miss out on!

Unveiling The Magic - What Does a 4WD Snorkel Do On Your Rig? 

When you think of a 4WD snorkel, the image of a vehicle powering through a river might come to mind. But the truth is, these snorkels do much more than just that.

One of their primary functions lies in safeguarding your engine against the perils of dust.

You're on your great Australian tour cruising down a dirt road, kicking up clouds of dust behind you. Without a snorkel, all that dust would find its way into your engine, causing all sorts of havoc.

But with a snorkel, it's a different story. 

A snorkel acts as a raised air intake and is specifically designed to shield your engine from dust. It also ensures cooler air intake, which can lead to improved engine performance and fuel efficiency with even the slightest increase in airbox pressure.

18% of Australia is a desert and 70% is considered a semi-arid desert. I think it's safe to say that if you're planning on touring Australia that’s not even mentioning driving on 4WD tracks – I’d highly recommend a snorkel.  

Regular driving on dusty roads without a snorkel means daily filter maintenance and the frequent removal and replacement of your air filter. 

Experienced 4WD-er knows that there is already enough maintenance and tasks to do when it comes to your 4WD rig. Minimising these tasks and prolonging the vehicle's lifespan are key priorities. 

So you can sell for a good price and upgrade – of course! 

Showdown - Stainless Steel Snorkel Vs Plastic 

The debate between stainless steel and plastic snorkels has been ongoing.

This is how the TJM Northern Beaches Team sees it. 

The stainless steel snorkels look bloody good and yep we’ll say it – aesthetics matter when it comes to your 4WD. It’s your pride and you're the one that’s gotta look at it day in and day out. 

On a heavily modded 4WD, they look awesome. 

But let’s now look at it from a practical POV. 

Each material whether plastic or stainless steel comes with its own set of pros and cons. 

Stainless steel snorkels boast superior airflow often translating into a power increase at higher speeds. However, this is debatable! Also, this advantage comes with an increased noise level compared to their plastic counterparts. Some customers do prefer the noise of a stainless steel snorkel! 

Also, stainless steel snorkels lack a rain drain feature, potentially allowing water to seep into the air filter. 

On the flip side, plastic snorkels are engineered to capture water before it reaches the airbox. This offers added protection against moisture infiltration. 

While stainless steel snorkels are typically designed to face backward, providing a sleek appearance, plastic snorkels can be installed in various orientations to suit different vehicle setups. 

Both stainless steel and plastic snorkels basically serve the same function of raising the vehicle's air intake to minimize dust and water ingress. 

Whether opting for the rugged durability of stainless steel or the versatility of plastic, our advice is it's important to ensure a watertight seal between the snorkel and the airbox for optimal performance and engine protection.

If you're still unsure, visit our shop, where we have several demo 4WD vehicles equipped with both options. You can see them firsthand and even take them for a spin to experience the contrast.

Not All Sunshine And Rainbows - 4wd Snorkels Disadvantages 

It kinda is all sunshine and rainbows when it comes to snorkels. There aren’t too many disadvantages. We thought we’d address the minor ones because this question is asked often. 

One aspect to consider is the installation process, which involves carving a hole in the vehicle's fender and drilling bolts through the body. While this step may seem daunting for owners, it's a straightforward process for experienced installers and rarely poses significant challenges.

Another aspect that may raise concerns is the noise generated by snorkels. However, in practice, this noise is minimal and often goes unnoticed during regular driving. Similarly, modern designs effectively minimize this issue. 

Also, some vehicle owners may worry about potential vision obstruction caused by certain snorkel styles. These obstructions are typically minor and seldom impact overall visibility to a significant degree.

The disadvantages of snorkels are minimal and rarely detract from their overall effectiveness and benefits for off-road driving. As with any vehicle modification, proper installation and maintenance are important to ensure optimal performance and protection.

Gear Up And Dive In -  Checking Out The Hottest Snorkel Brands 

Ok, now that you’ve done your due diligence it's time for the fun part – Choosing your Snorkel. 

Stainless steel snorkels can range from $800 to $2000, depending on your specific preferences and requirements.

With various sizing options available to suit your specific needs, finding the perfect snorkel for your vehicle is easier than ever! When investing in a snorkel, quality is paramount. While cheaper options may seem appealing initially, they may not offer the same level of durability and reliability as higher-quality brands.

At TJM Northern Beaches, we stock a range of top-notch brands that have undergone extensive research and development to ensure optimal performance in rugged conditions. 

From Torqit's Stainless Steel Snorkel, designed for maximum airflow and engine protection, to Safari's thoroughly tested solutions, we have something to suit every adventure.

Our lineup also includes TJM, Torqit, Phatz Fab, Meredith, and JMAX, and within the TJM range, we have the exclusive Wedge Tail snorkel. Proudly designed and engineered in Australia from high-grade UV-resistant polyethylene. 

These snorkels boast maximum strength and rigidity. They can withstand even the toughest off-road challenges. Plus, our Wedge Tail snorkel even received the prestigious "Best Aftermarket Product Award under $700" from 4x4 Australia Magazine.  

So, whether you're taking flight on an epic outback expedition or tackling challenging terrain closer to home, TJM Northern Beaches can help you choose and install the perfect snorkel to up your off-road game. 

Contact us for a Snorkel quote today.