It turns out that having Expeditioneers local to me in Phx means that they are willing to mold up a snorkel for the Wheelchair Accessible Van for Expeditions...a 2008 Ford E350.
Not that taking a Sportsmobile deep into water is a plan but I am thinking in terms of dust and greater ease of access to the air filter for cleaning out trail dust.
The thought is that these might run as high as $500
If I ever got my SMB in deep enough water that I needed a snorkel I would be screwed. I'm sure it would ruin both espar units, extreme air, etc etc mounted under the van. Also the stock air cleaner works really well and is easy to get to. So no snorkel for me, I'm staying away from anything deeper than 2/3 of my wheels. It would look cool though.
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Seth Hatfield
'05 EB350 6.0 4x4
Homebuilt Interior
Santa Barbara Ca
I will put one on mine to grab clean air high up and as safety towards water...
You mention molded... will it be plastic?
Give more details when you have them, might be interested.
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2009 E350 window RB 6.0 PSD Quadvan 4x4 with EB pop top
2003 E350 ambulance 7.3 PSD Quigley
2007 Jeep JK for local offroad
I totally agree that a snorkel on a SMB is about getting cleaner air up out of the dust...and about having an airbox that is easier to access the filter.
On my 2008 getting the air filter out is super tough.
These will be ABS plastic I am pretty sure, like the Safari & other snorkels.
I agree that $500 is steep...of course interest helps determine price based on the projected numbers to be sold.
The company ask me if I thought there would be interest, I figured what better way to know than to ask.
The air filter box on my 2006 is on the driver's side. Is it still there on a 2008 and newer? I am guessing the snorkel therefore would run up the driver's side windshield post? Not sure if that would be in the way of vision while driving. I have thought of just putting a scoop on the hood over the air box to get the intake maybe a foot higher than stock. Might be a lot easier, but wouldn't get you the snorkel look.
I'd also be interested in one for dust issues. I don't know if a snorkel that will fit a newer 6.0 will work with a 7.3 or not. I was thinking of cutting up an ARB snorkel that fitts a F350 PSD and re-welding the plastic to fit me van.
It's on my list of things to do...
John
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'02 E-350 SBM RB-50 4X4 diesel
'90 Sub 4X4 diesel
'71 Rover SII 88
'84 VW GTI
and lots of other assorted toys