NJ B.S. Thread

I think I trust that stuff too... but id like to see it in action... like branches and shit grabbing the snorkel can bend that shit out and if the velcro doesn't hold itll fuck up the fender... im gonna see if I can find like 150lb velcro... they make that shit strong

 

If you hit a branch with the snorkel bolted to the a pillar, either the snorkel or pillar will give....best to avoid branches

 

I wouldn't do it. I need to see how it deals in wet, cold, hot, or icy conditions. It would also depend on the Velcro specs, how much tension and shear load it can take per sq inch. I'm sure it'd work, but as a structural engineer I alway over design shit.

 

You haven'5 been to the pines yet have you... you think my pinstripes got there from trimmed trails? Lol now im not saying I hit huge branches that are as thick as my arm but definitely a branch thats 1-2 inches in diameter has come across the truck before... maybe Ill have to get a bumper and do those stupid limb risers

Yes

 

Expect the best, prepare for the worst.

https://youtu.be/_Ll1Hrx97uw

 

I would think that you want a weaker break-away point (Velcro) vs. encountering a branch or other object and rip the snorkel structure at the bolt-on point, or even worse, mess up the pillar.

Or take Ryan's advice. Avoid branches (my plan)

 

Mines already drilled. Velcro is a good idea but at that point there's already one huge hole and 5 smaller holes in the fender. Plus I'd be concerned of movement of the snorkel causeing damage to the fender beyond the giant holes. Not sure of the specs or strength of the Velcro but once the 3 screws were in up top it really tied everything together and added some significant strength to the whole deal

 

If you can easily avoid branches why not just avoid water crossings.

 

Lol, cuz water crossings won't rip my snorkel out?

 

I'm sure it will be fine I'm just curious how it holds up after a while. Most Velcro are designed for outdoor use.

 

Or rocks or dust or dirt or sand or other drivers or anything else that can damage a truck

 

Use these with a dab of blue rtv and your set.
Its a win-win, you get a nutsert without needing the special tool, its rubber so it has some give, and there is a threaded nut molded in.

http://www.stanleyengineeredfastening.com/brands/pop/well-nut-threaded-inserts

 

This is a prime example... now most of the trails we go on are not that tight but its still enough to cause concern for snorkel movement with velcro and once the snorkel gets caught and the velcro comes undone like Steve said the fender is now FUBAR

Can't avoid them alot of the times in tighter trails... its not like rausch where everything is mainly heavily traveled and branches are not reaching into the trails to sound like freddy krueger outside the truck...

Thats my exact concern. Thanks Steve... drilling is the only way now IMO.

 

The problem with a point is since your snorkel is a solid plastic peice and bolted to your fender when it breaks away it will possibly cause body damage.

 

Thanks Greg. Do you know what size we need? Does it say it on install instructions?

 

It wouldn't even break away I don't think... that shit is bolted on with 5 freaking bolts... its ON there... anything grabs it and its going to just crumple the fender itself and eventually over come the grab or break or bend the snorkel

 

You guys are overthinking this. Just install it the way it's supposed to be done and you'll be fine. I've had mine on for years with no issues.
I would not give the snorkel any possibility to separate from the A pillar - you are inviting trouble.

 

I try to avoid water crossings as well. If I had a choice between no water vs a water crossing to get through, I'd choose no water. If I had a choice between shallow or deeper water, I'd choose shallower water. That murky soupy shit at Rausch was a pain to get off the truck. It surely isn't good for some parts of the truck. The snorkel I'm installing is just in case I have no choice but to go deep.

Same with branches. If I can avoid them, I will. If I'm contemplating what line to take on a trail and I have a choice to hit a smaller branch vs a bigger branch, I'll pick the smaller branch.

 

Like that one time I got us lost the night before the clean up?

 

Exactly. The snorkel is super tough Anything you hit to cause damage to the snorkel or cause it to rip screws out of the a pillar is gonna cause a lot more damage than that