What Are Truck Snorkels and Why Do You Need One?

Have you ever trekked to an off-road show or seen a heavily modified rig boasting what looks like a periscope protruding from the fender? No, this vehicle isn't a submarine, though the fancy air intake system does increase its capabilities in deep water. 

The aforementioned modification is known as a vehicle snorkel, a modified intake system designed for a specific purpose while off-road. Read on to learn more about the modification, including its purpose and whether or not your ride needs one.

What Is a Vehicle Snorkel?

Not to be confused with the underwater activity you tried on your last tropical vacation, a vehicle snorkel is a modified intake system employed by several hard-core off-roaders in wet climates, where water fording becomes a regular occurrence. These systems move the air inlet from underneath the hood to a much higher point on the body, typically through the fender and up near the roofline.

What Does a Snorkel Do on a Truck?

A snorkel isn't just for looks—it serves a vital purpose for those who frequent water crossings and deep mud holes. With the air inlet in the stock position, an engine can inhale water and hydrolock the cylinders. Alternatively, the intake may suck up mud, which can clog the filter element and produce poor drivability characteristics. 

Rather than risking a catastrophic engine failure or breakdown on the trail, several die-hard off-roaders opt to install a snorkel, which raises the height of the air inlet above the bodyline to prevent it from accidentally inhaling moisture, even when the water level rises above the hood. While additional precautions are required for full submersions, like sealing the engine bay and drivetrain breathers, a snorkel is critical to waterproofing your wheeler.

Snorkels also reduce the engine's intake of dirt, dust, sand, and silt in arid conditions. While this debris typically only reaches a few feet in the air before settling, a vehicle's factory intake may be low enough to inhale contaminants stirred up while driving. Alternatively, a snorkel places the inlet high enough that most debris passes beneath it, ensuring the filter isn't prematurely clogged.

Do You Need a Snorkel on Your Truck?

So, is a snorkel a wise investment for your truck? Depending on the vehicle's usage, maybe so. If you frequently wheel your vehicle, especially in dry areas or regions with regular, deep water crossings, a snorkel may be a wise investment to reduce the risk of engine damage or clogged air filters. However, you'll also need to consider the potential downsides. 

One of the most significant detriments of installing a snorkel is the required modifications to the body. Most vehicle snorkels require the installer to drill a hole directly through one of the fenders. Although not a significant issue at the time of installation, your perception may change if you ever decide to remove the snorkel. If you're determined to install a snorkel, be sure you won't regret the decision. Or, locate a replacement fender to modify rather than your pristine one.

Factory Snorkels: Off-Road-Oriented OE Intakes

Believe it or not, vehicle snorkels aren't only an aftermarket upgrade. Several OE manufacturers also produce vehicle-specific snorkels or offer off-road trims with factory-installed snorkels. Check out some of our favorite OE snorkels below.

Toyota Tacoma TrailHunter

In 2024, Toyota introduced its first-ever purpose-built overlanding rig, the Tacoma TrailHunter. The much-anticipated truck featured several off-road-oriented upgrades, including standard high-clearance bumpers, rugged suspension, multiple skid plates, and a factory snorkel.

Toyota 4Runner TrailHunter

The Tacoma isn't the only Toyota vehicle that received the TrailHunter trim. The popular 4Runner SUV was also graced with the TrailHunter treatment, received a similar set of upgrades, and, once again, a high-mount, snorkel-style intake system.

Ford Bronco Everglades

Upon releasing the sixth-generation Bronco, Ford announced several special-edition trim levels to boost capabilities and style. One such package was the Everglades, which brought Bilstein remote reservoir shocks, 35-inch-tall BF-Goodrich tires, and a trim-specific snorkel intake.

Jeep Wrangler JL

While this entry on the list is a bit of a cheater, seeing as MOPAR won't install the snorkel for you, the brand has a joint snorkel offering with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) available for the Wrangler JL. While your Jeep won't roll off the lot with the snorkel installed, the fact that the two brands worked side-by-side on the high-mount intake system is remarkable enough to earn it a spot on this list.

Shop Snorkels on RealTruck

If you want to install a snorkel on your ride, check out our selection on RealTruck. We offer various models from our in-house brand, Rugged Ridge, including the Rugged Ridge AmFib Snorkel and Rugged Ridge XHD Snorkel. We also provide various snorkel accessories, including pre-filters and high-mount extensions.