I'm debating on either buying the TJM Airtec snorkel or the ebay clone. I'm not sure if it's worth the extra money for the original since all it is a piece of plastic. I wanted to see if anyone had either of the snorkels and if so if they could share their experience with it.
TJM snorkel question
- Thread starter vinte77
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Great topic. I’ll be watching since I was wondering the same thing
r2m
Richard
The snorkel on my GX was installed for me, BUT on my first overlander, that was an 1994 F350 crewcab (see below). I wanted a snorkel on it and there are none for those trucks. I did a ton of research looking at pictures and aligning "A" pillars, both from the side for the rake of the snorkel AND how much the snorkel leans in looking at it front on along with it being on the correct side of the vehicle as my trucks air box. I finally found that the 1990's Land Rover Discovery's had the exact same angles and was on the same side as my truck. I had to do this install without an template since the Discovery's template didn't match my trucks lines. But I figured it out and made it happen. It actually came out awesome! Below is a pic of it.
So after all that preamble, the biggest difference will be fitment. A cheap knockoff may use poorly made molds so it may not line up as well with your "A" pillar or when you cut that huge hole in your fender, aligns with the air box. Albeit, if the snorkel is a little tweaked/twisted, it does hard bolt down to the A pillar which isn't a big deal if it's a little off and going into the air box is kind of "pot belly stove" tolerances, so again, there's some wiggle room.
The other issues with a cheaper snorkel is what's all in the box?
You'll absolutely need a template that is accurate. You only get one shot at cutting that hole in your fender.
Best thing I can recommend is check reviews, and most of all be sure there are a lot of reviews, not that you have/need to read them all, but the larger number of reviews for with a higher star rating, the better chances of success. I personally don't believe you have to spend top dollar for a snorkel.
Hope this helps.
My first overlander.
So after all that preamble, the biggest difference will be fitment. A cheap knockoff may use poorly made molds so it may not line up as well with your "A" pillar or when you cut that huge hole in your fender, aligns with the air box. Albeit, if the snorkel is a little tweaked/twisted, it does hard bolt down to the A pillar which isn't a big deal if it's a little off and going into the air box is kind of "pot belly stove" tolerances, so again, there's some wiggle room.
The other issues with a cheaper snorkel is what's all in the box?
You'll absolutely need a template that is accurate. You only get one shot at cutting that hole in your fender.
Best thing I can recommend is check reviews, and most of all be sure there are a lot of reviews, not that you have/need to read them all, but the larger number of reviews for with a higher star rating, the better chances of success. I personally don't believe you have to spend top dollar for a snorkel.
Hope this helps.
My first overlander.
- Thread starter
- #4
The clone comes with a template and the seller has an overall good feedback. I've seen pictures online of gx's running both the clone snorkel and the TJM, so I wanted to see if anyone who runs either of the snorkels to give real use feedback. I also posted the same question on the gxor reddit, so if I hear back I'll post it here.
I prefer to save money if I can with the clone but I am open to buying the TJM as well. Plus, it's not guaranteed that the TJM will have good fitment so I would like to hear some real world feedback.
I prefer to save money if I can with the clone but I am open to buying the TJM as well. Plus, it's not guaranteed that the TJM will have good fitment so I would like to hear some real world feedback.
r2m
Richard
If you're getting good reviews from the clone and it's cheaper, go with that.
Also, depending upon when you plan on getting around to installing it, example, wanting to bang it out this upcoming 3 day weekend, then I'd consider who has the quickest shipping. If you have not immediate plans for installation, go with the cheapest.
Like mentioned above, the tolerances are pot-belly stove tolerances and being a little off (that's assuming they are at all) is not a big deal. We're not talking about fit and finish on an interior dash component where a poor fit will really stand out.
But again, that's just my .02¢
I'm sure you'll be happy regardless what you get. I don't imagine the cost difference is much more than a hundred dollars or so.
- Thread starter
- #6
I messaged someone who had pictures of the clone snorkel on social media,so I'm waiting to hear back. The TJM is more than double the price of the clone, equalling over $300. However, there's that snob in me that doesn't like to buy fakes but the price difference is compelling. I'm not in a rush so I made this post to see if I could dig up some feedback.
r2m
Richard
I'd just do a Google search and see what pops up along with review rating and quantity.
One does not necessarily need to go with the name brands, but keep a wary eye for junk, because it's out there.
- Thread starter
- #10
I don't think r2m is saying that the TJM is junk. There are more LC guys running the TJM snorkel and the clone, and many are happy with them.
You can search here on mud and their reviews come up. Main attraction for the TJM is that it has a more streamlined look and there are 2 vents where it sucks in air. But to each their own.
I like to park my truck in my garage, so I have a mild lift and stay away from any accessories that stick out too much.
r2m
Richard
Yeah, I forgot to mention that there are a couple of different styles of snorkels.
Thanks for bringing that up!
Thanks for bringing that up!
Do you have a link to the clone? Thanks
- Thread starter
- #13
It's late, but here's the link:
4x4 Off Road Snorkel Kit Fit For Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 150 GRJ150 2009-2017 | eBay
2009 - 2017 Land Cruiser Prado 150 GRJ150 / GRJ151 1GR-FE 4.0L. These snorkels have also been custom made to fit your specific vehicle. A snorkel system relocates your engine's point from the relatively low and vulnerable position under the hood to a much higher and safer location where a...
www.ebay.com
- Thread starter
- #14
If anyone in the SoCal area wants one, I have a brand new one lying around to sell. I got it, but decided to stay snorkelless.
- Thread starter
- #16
It is,. I just DMed you.
Hi @Artcarbon, I just found this thread as I'm looking to install the TJM snorkel on my LX470 but wanted to see if anyone else has them and how has it held up, overall satisfaction as well as install tips. Did you end up installing one?
