trying to decide on a snorkel
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JK Newbie
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 2
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trying to decide on a snorkel
I'm looking to buy a snorkel and I'm looking at the rugged ridge or river raider I'm leaning towards river raider but not sure which one the cast or the expedition any advice would be appreciated.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 137
Likes: 1
From: Edmonton
Welcome to the forum!! I have the rugged ridge, it works. During the install my tube that is supposed to run behind the spring then up to the windshield wouldn't let me install the front quarter panel without it bowing out and looking bad. I fixed by cutting a gap for the tube in the inner fender. I am seriously thinking about getting the Ripp cold air intake for the snorkel just because I don't like the clamps that hold the factory air box together. Rugged Ridge looks awesome and works! 
Oh ya and this template it comes with sucks. I ran it through the photocopier adjust the zoom until it was sized properly
if you can read this, my Jeep is broken....
Last edited by Jonny K's JK; Apr 27, 2015 at 08:59 PM.
JK Freak
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 645
Likes: 1
From: Tulsa, OK
You really can't go wrong as long as you don't get the Chinese-made knockoff version. I think it's called the Red Rock 4x4 or something similar. I have friends that have the Rugged Ridge and they love it, I love my AEV, and others love their Wild Boar, Volant, ARB, or River Raider. Just choose which ever one looks the best to you and that you can afford. I think Rugged Ridge is the only one that can go back to stock but that obviously wasn't a big deal for me or many others. If I can sway you towards AEV, they're made in Michigan of ABS plastic (think whitewater kayak plastic) and have been tested on numerous expeditions into the heart of the wilderness without fail. Sure, the looks aren't for everyone but I love it more every time I see it.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: 16648, PA
Not sure on the river raider. I've got the rugged ridge one and I'm very happy with it. Not gonna lie the install is a PITA but once done I was very happy. Oh and while the instructions are plentiful, reading them before starting the task will help much.
Last edited by bevan7170; Apr 27, 2015 at 09:17 PM.
JK Freak
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 745
Likes: 1
From: pineville,nc
This is my snorkel. It is a cheap $100 knock off that I bought on eBay. I'm not sure why the guy on here said that you will go wrong buying this one?!?!? I bought this one and my friend bought the AEV one at the same time. We compared them side to side and there was no difference. I have put it through the test for the last 2 years through the toughest terrain other than surface scratches it's still good. I've had the jeep in hood deep water without a drop of water getting into the air box. My opinion save money and go with the knock off.
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JK Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Aiken, SC
I would never trust a part as important as a snorkel to some knockoff company. I have a buddy that bought the cheap Chinese AEV knockoff and it never sealed correctly. He later bought the AEV and never had another issue. Seems pretty foolish to save a couple hundred bucks when your engine could be at stake, but that's just me. Of course, if you are just buying it for looks and poser status, by all means, get the cheap one. It's your Jeep.
JK Freak
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 965
Likes: 4
From: Red deer, Alberta
Here's my Rugged Ridge snorkel. It was a pain in the rear 7 hour install, but well worth it! It works great with my roof rack and the limbrisers go right over top nicely to protect the rams head from getting hit by branches.
