Taking your Ranger for a lap of the map will encompass challenging terrain, from water crossings to dusty trails. So your vehicle needs to be equipped with the right accessories to handle the elements and keep it performing at its best. This is where a snorkel is essential.
Here are four products we recommend. They’re intended as a starting point, to give you an idea of what’s available. We’ve included information on Ford Australia’s genuine accessories, in case you’d prefer to stick to OEM.
What it is: A raised and water-sealed air intake for deep water crossings.
Why you need it: For deep water crossings! The higher air intake also means there’s less dust ingested, and for some snorkels you can fit a pre-cleaner. Now you may say “oh, I’ll never do deep water crossings and the Ranger has an 800mm wading depth, so who needs one”. However, let’s discuss your views again when you’re faced with a river which has risen a little bit and it’s a long, long way around. Let’s see how you feel when you’re a third of the way through and still getting deeper. Snorkels are cheap insurance; just buy one!
Buying tips: There are raised air intakes and there are snorkels. A snorkel is water-sealed; a raised air intake isn’t. You want a snorkel. Also, consider a snorkel that allows a dust pre-cleaner to be fitted.
Material: | Air intake: | Sealed: | |
---|---|---|---|
Safari V-Spec snorkel | Polyethylene, UV resistant | Air ram | Yes |
TJM Airtec polyethylene snorkel | Polyethylene, UV resistant | Air ram | Yes |
Fabulous Fabrications Snorkel | Stainless steel | Laser cut grille | Yes |
PHAT Bars Snorkel | Stainless steel | Mesh grille | Yes |
Ford Australia/ARB licensing agreement
Ford Australia has a licensing agreement with ARB. Order ARB accessories when you order your next-gen Ranger, and they’ll be covered by Ford’s five-year warranty. So if you have a warranty issue, there are no grey areas about which company’s responsible.
If you order ARB accessories after purchase (through a Ford dealer), they’ll be covered by the remainder of the warranty period.
If you’d like to know more about the Ford/ARB partnership, then go here.
Safari V-Spec snorkel
Things we like
- Renowned Safari quality
- Stainless-steel fittings and fasteners
- Suitable for engine upgrades
- Materials: Polyethylene, UV resistant
- Air intake: Air ram
- Sealed: Yes
Things we like
- DIY installation instructions supplied
- Stainless-steel fittings and fasteners
- Unique look
Not so much…
- Styling might not appeal to all
- Materials: Polyethylene, UV resistant
- Air intake: Air ram
- Sealed: Yes
Things we like
- Aftercare instructions supplied
- Premium quality finish
- Uses silicone joiner sleeves
Not so much…
- Bulky
- Materials: Stainless steel
- Air intake: Laser cut grille
- Sealed: Yes
Things we like
- Installation instructions supplied
- Uses high-quality silicone bends
- Available in 3 finishes
- Materials: Stainless steel
- Air intake: Mesh grille
- Sealed: Yes
4X4 Australia has been reviewing four-wheel drive vehicles and aftermarket products for more than 40 years.
When looking for the best accessories for your make and model of 4WD, there are some things essential to making sure you have the best off-roading experience.
When we compare products, here are some of the things we consider:
- Warranty
- Build quality
- Value for money
- Time and ease to set-up/install
- Weight
- Fit and finish
- How well it gets the job done
- What materials they’re made from
- Corrosion/UV resistance
- Coatings
- Compatibility with other accessories
- Compliance with ADRs and vehicle safety systems
- Country of manufacture
- Load ratings, to determine what’s the best product across each price point.
Disclosure: When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. We also include products that we do not earn a commission from.
We recommend
-
Ranger Accessories
Ford Ranger sports bars
Providing increased support for cargo, sports bars also give your Ranger a more rugged look
-
Ranger Accessories
Ford Ranger tonneau covers and lids
An effective and easy way to improve your rig's versatility and functionality
-
Ranger Accessories
Ford Ranger dual-battery systems
Optimise power supply and improve off-road capability with a state-of-the-art dual-battery system