RAI.vs.Snorkel

[Bushwanderer]

Hi All,
Has anyone seen an aftermarket snorkel fitted to a D3? How does it differ from the LR RAI (Raised Air Intake)?

The RAI attaches to the right hand front guard air intake and uses the existing plumbing. Do aftermarket snorkel manufacturers replace some or all of the in-guard plumbing and/or the air filter housing. If so, how? If not, how different/preferable are they to the RAI?

Best Wishes,

[PCH]

Peter,

See here Safari Snorkel System - SS385HF

Right at the bottom is the fitting instructions. You can see the plumbing used and the mods needed to be done to the inner guard and airbox.

The LR RAI uses the original internal plumbing therefore not waterproof like the snorkel. The RAI is simply bolted to the outer guard with rubberised gasket.

Chris

[abaddonxi]

Saw loverly snorkel on a D3 the other day, was so surprised I didn't have time to take a picture or even read the name on it.

It had some kind of fins or flanges or something to make it go faster.

Looked the goods.

Cheers
Simon

[Desert Traveller]

This is the Safari set-up.

[Xavie]

Saw loverly snorkel on a D3 the other day, was so surprised I didn't have time to take a picture or even read the name on it.

It had some kind of fins or flanges or something to make it go faster.

Looked the goods.

Cheers
Simon

They are pretty common. I like the look also but have no idea on brand. IF they were a reasonable price and were widely available that'd be my choice on a D3 for sure.

xav

[jik22]

Saw loverly snorkel on a D3 the other day, was so surprised I didn't have time to take a picture or even read the name on it.

It had some kind of fins or flanges or something to make it go faster.

It sounds like you're describing the LR RAI I was asking about in the other thread.

Land_Rover_LR3_Snorkel_E.jpg

[abaddonxi]

It sounds like you're describing the LR RAI I was asking about in the other thread.

Land_Rover_LR3_Snorkel_E.jpg

That'd be it.

But I remember it being a lot bigger.

Funny thing, memory.

Cheers
Simon

[PCH]

Here's a pic of th LR RAI. I understand they are made by Mantec for LR. From this angle they look bigger than the G4's angle



Chris

[Bushwanderer]

Hi Again All,
Thanks for your replies.

In summary, the RAI looks better (in my opinion), but the Safari snorkel might work better (due largely to replacing the LR in-guard hose).

I wonder why LR didn't go the full "snorkel" route?

Could it be that, due to the plastic wheel arch lining, that virtually no water would get between the wheel arch & the guard?

Best Wishes,

[PCH]

Hi Again All,
I wonder why LR didn't go the full "snorkel" route?

Could it be that, due to the plastic wheel arch lining, that virtually no water would get between the wheel arch & the guard?

Best Wishes,

Don't think that the plastic inner guard will make the intake water proof. The inner tube running between the airbox and outer guard is conencted by a plastic perforated tube. If you are sitting in water long enough the inner plastic guard won't stop water filling up the tube.

Think of the RAI as a first step to stopping water splashing up into the intake but not much more than that - I'd be worried to travel in water for any period of time where the normal intake is below the water level. I've had water up over the bonnet for maybe 5 seconds and I was glad I have the RAI but to be under the water for much longer would have me really worried.

I think the main intention is to raise the air intake to a level that may help to reduce the amount of dust being sucked in compared to the level at the guard IMO.

If you really want piece of mind then get the Safari Snorkel - I would have had one fitted but it wasn't available at the time so I chose the RAI. Cost difference was minimal.

Chris