Your ExplorerStays Protected.

The Ford Explorer spans six generations and more than 20 inches of length difference — from the original 178-inch Gen 1 body to the 198.8-inch Gen 6 platform. The 2020 generation switch from a front-wheel-drive-based to a rear-wheel-drive-based architecture changed the front overhang geometry in ways that make Gen 5 and Gen 6 covers non-interchangeable despite nearly identical overall dimensions. Gen 5 and Gen 6 bodies also measure 78.9 inches wide — wider than most compact and mid-size SUVs — which makes accurate mirror-span clearance a first-order fit requirement, not a secondary detail.

DaShield's Vanguard UHD is a 5-layer woven cover with a soft inner face, specified to each Explorer generation's dimensional profile and front-overhang geometry. For daily outdoor parking where UV exposure, moisture contact, and bird or tree contamination are ongoing threats, UHD provides the construction depth to protect the Explorer's clearcoat without generating abrasive contact at the mirror housing or lower fender edge during daily installation cycles.

Designed in Buena Park, California. Specified to Gen 1 through Gen 6 dimensional differences, including the 2020 platform change. Available in UHD, Ultimum, HD, and SoftTec Satin for indoor storage. Sport Trac requires separate fit specification — contact our team with model year.

Most SUV covers for the Ford Explorer are sized by overall body length. The problem is that the Gen 5 (197.6 inches) and Gen 6 (198.8 inches) Explorer differ by only 1.2 inches in length, yet the 2020 platform change produced a fundamentally different front-overhang geometry that makes a Gen 5 cover pull tension at the front of a Gen 6 body. Overall length does not capture this. A cover that fits by the numbers but pulls at the nose creates a contact zone at the hood paint edge — the kind of wear that accumulates through daily use rather than appearing all at once.

DaShield addresses this by specifying Explorer covers to generation and platform architecture rather than to overall dimensions alone. The Gen 5 FWD-based front-end proportions and the Gen 6 RWD-based front-end proportions receive separate fit patterns. The Gen 6 Timberline's skid plate profile and the ST performance trim's lower body kit are flagged for additional clearance verification before ordering.

For the Gen 5 and Gen 6 Explorer at 78.9 inches wide, the mirror-span clearance requirement is the second critical fit input. Covers patterned to body width contact the exterior mirrors and create tension across the mirror housings on each installation cycle. The Vanguard UHD inner face is designed to contact paint without generating abrasive friction at these contact points.

Five-layer woven laminate construction. Soft inner face. AATCC 16 UV resistance standard. No machine washing required for woven lines — wipe-down maintenance only. Generation-specific fit from Gen 1 through Gen 6. 5-year warranty on UHD. Lifetime warranty on Ultimum for owners requiring maximum long-term coverage.