Cheap D3/D4 Snorkels - how do they rate?

[LRHybrid100]

Hi All,

I've seen all these listings on eBay for cheap D3/D4 Snorkels (Raised air intakes) - does anyone have any direct experience with these?

Most seem to be about $150-$200 whereas the original Safari ones are $500+

Cheers LRH

[jonesy63]

I have no first-hand experience with the cheapies, but the following website influenced my purchase: Don't Get Burnt - Low Quality Snorkel Copies (http://www.dont-get-burnt.com/)

[rufusking]

Is that an independent article or an advertisement?

[sheerluck]

Is that an independent article or an advertisement?


Not quite independent. The testing was requested by Safari, and that website is owned and hosted by the same name as the Safari website.

The testing looks like it was conducted by an independent lab, though the test was conducted to an Australian Standard that was modified "to client's request". Read into that what you will. ;)

Personally I think it's an Aussie company making an attempt to protect their IP, and trying to show their products in the best light possible, but it is just a little hamfisted.

And whilst I have no issue paying for a quality product, a slightly different plastic blend, and a slightly modified moulding process don't make a product worth two and a half times as much.

[CaverD3]

Not independent at all:

"It is our strong belief at Safari that inferior materials and manufacturing techniques have no place on vital components such as snorkels. As 4WD enthusiasts, we rely on our snorkels for total peace of mind against water and dust. That can only be achieved with a snorkel you can trust – the genuine Australian made Safari snorkel system."

I find it a bit misleading that they use a different web address not mentioning Safari. :mad:

However Safari snorkels are much better and the Chinese ones vary a lot. Some have been really bad some better.
It the very least they will need more fiddling and adjustment to fit.

You get what you pay for really.

[rocmic]

I have one that I got from a forum member, but I am pretty sure he got it from Ebay or another company that sells these cheap snorkels. I had it fitted professionally. I was warned that there might be problems with the fitting and there were. so it cost mor to fit. It still ended up at about the cost of a Safari (without including fitting). It is working well.
One problem was the hose - it was not long enough or frankly of sufficient quality, so one had to be purchased. The other issue with the fitting were all to do with nor matching the supplied template.
If you are intending on fitting yourself, then measure, remeaure and remeasure.
Cheers
Mike

[Canaussie]

Just get a safari and fit yourself, easy as and worth the money.

[vbrab]

Have a cheap Ebay snorkel on my D3 for past 3 years, used mostly to avoid dust, as not much water in Pilbara. So far only complaint would be that they could have used stainless bolts to fix it to bracket. Hasn't broken off or disintegrated in the Pilbara sun.
It was no problem to mount, all fitted quite well.
Have bought "Australian made" snorkels for other vehicles only to find them arrive with holes in the plastic moulding, suggesting quality (at times) might not be a lot better than cheapie Ebay specials.

[Kimo]

Gotta agree with vbrab I've had my 160 dollar cheapy on for a couple of years fitted in myself with no problems other then needing to sharpen drill bits a few times. Hasn't faded cracked or self destructed in any way.

[CaverD3]

I have no first-hand experience with the cheapies, but the following website influenced my purchase: Don't Get Burnt - Low Quality Snorkel Copies (http://www.dont-get-burnt.com/)

Always read everything in context especially who wrote it. ;)

[jonesy63]

Just because the report was biased, it still has valid warnings of poor quality, copied intellectual property, Asian imported products. Nothing changes my opinion on that. You pay your dollars and take a chance. :p

[CaverD3]

Agree but they should have been more upfront about who wrote it.

Don't complain when your cheap snorkel (or anything else) is not as good as a more expensive option.

Personally I would be happy fitting a cheaper one myself replacing poor bits to ensure it is waterproof. In fact I have made a removable one for the D3.

[Tombie]

Remember, dry mix PE will suffer UV and pin hole weakness will occur.

If you park in a carport or garage this will likely take longer, but it will happen.

When these small imperfections begin, how will you know if your snorkel is breathing from other locations?

Cheap snorkels are just RAIs, nothing more and should be treated as such.

Mind you, spending cheap on protection for a $15k engine in an $75k+ vehicle is amusing

[SimmAus]

Mind you, spending cheap on protection for a $15k engine in an $75k+ vehicle is amusing
Couldn't agree more.