The DAC Explorer 2 SUV tent attaches to your vehicle to provide you a shelter that keeps you cozy indoors, while keeping outdoor elements such as rain and wind from ruining your weekend of fun.
It has quite the simplistic attachment method, in the form of good old elasticated cord and hooks, as opposed to some more modern suction or clamping options. Might not be the most robust way to attach, however, it is definitely one of the most easiest, and quickest to set up and take down, so we cant fault it for that.
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Some of its more notable features are unknown to most, so we are going to showcase those for our readers today. Giving you a better idea of how it weighs up against the top selling SUV tents on the market.
Well-priced and easy to set up, this article takes an in-depth look at how this awning style of SUV tent compares to others of its kind. Let’s go!
Page Contents:
DAC Explorer SUV Tent Review
Our First Thoughts
Most SUV tents attach to your vehicle via a sleeve that allows you to use your SUV’s cargo space as a sleeping area, in addition to a full-size tent on the ground.
This model cuts off the tent portion so you have basically a hatch opening and an awning on the back of your SUV, saving you on space, setup time, and allowing you to use it anywhere you bring your car.
We think those that are big on solo camping, or couples camping would love this style of tent, as you can have all the comforts of a traditional SUV tent, at half the size (and cost!). The awning still provides you the same sun protection the tent would, and when it rains you simply hop in your SUV until the storm passes.
Another great option with this tent is you can use it for spring, summer, and fall camping, as it is fully waterproof, allowing you to camp in a variety of weather.
Important Specs at a Glance
| Type
SUV Tent (Can Also Fit Minivans) |
Rear Lift Size
Must Be Less Than 67 Inches Wide |
| Weight
4.5 lbs. |
Capacity
2 People |
| Number of Doors
1 Hybrid Door / Window |
Assembly
1 Minute Setup Time |
| Waterproof
Yes |
Fire Resistant
Yes |
| Season
3 – Spring / Summer / Fall |
Packed Size
11” x 11” x 6” |
Overview of Features
- SUV Tent Connects to Your SUV or Minivan
- Allows for Multiple People to Sleep in Cargo Space
- Quick Setup with Bungee Cord Hooks
- Single Shock-Corded Pole Design
- Inverted T Doors
- No-See-Um Mesh Screens
- Waterproof
- Fireproof
- Includes Stuff Sack Bag
What We Love – Our Top 3 Features
Seals Up Neatly When You Need to Vacate
GOLD QUALITY – Turn Your Vehicle Into A Tent
The Explorer 2 SUV tent’s main function is to transform your car into a hybrid camper that you can take virtually anywhere you go. The tent works by attaching to the backside of your SUV or minivan, creating a rear vehicle awning.
Due to its design, you can pop up the hatch of your SUV, lay down the backseats, and use that entire space for sleeping, so you aren’t stuck laying on a mattress on the ground.
SILVER FEATURE – Setup in Seconds
A quick setup is always a good thing when it comes to camping gear. The less amount of time you are spending on pitching your tent, the more time you have to enjoy what you came there for. With very little in the way of setup (there is literally 1 pole that needs to be assembled), you should have no problems getting this tent up in one or two tries.
Most tents have a bunch of poles, stakes, guy lines, clips, buckles and straps that need to be configured before you can start using your tent. All that work can be daunting for inexperienced campers, or worse – when the weather won’t cooperate with you. But in terms of assembly, this SUV tent is one of the easiest to put together.
BRONZE HIGHLIGHT – Bulletproof
DAC has manufactured a fire-retardant tent for your safety, and also waterproofed it so you stay dry inside your sleep space. The fabric covers a good portion of the vehicle to ensure no water leaks in, and if you want to be extra vigilante, you can invest in some magnets to further seal the tent to your SUV.
The top cover is angled in such a way that the rain will roll off it, and you can rest easy knowing that the hatch opening has two water-resistant flaps that help keep rain from penetrating the tent.
Main Overview – Breaking Down Every Detail
Throwing Shade
So, what can you use the awning for? For starters, it provides some shade over you when you are inside the SUV. Other uses for the awning can be for rain protection, a shade for when you go to the beach, on road trips, or even fishing trips.
It may not be marketed as a tailgating tent, but you could certainly use it that way as well. The awning gives you a good amount of sun protection so you can sit a few chairs under it and enjoy a few beers and hot dogs before the game starts.
Go With The Flow
DAC designed a T door for the hatch entry, with two zip up flaps for rain protection and privacy. Rolling those up, you have a layer of no-see-um mesh underneath, which gives you a large opening for air to enter the vehicle, as well as providing you views of the outdoors while keeping the mosquitoes at bay.
If you open a window in the SUV, you can create a nice circulation route for the air to cycle, ensuring you always have fresh air. Also, you can regulate the air flow by using the zip up flaps at any time.
Light As A Feather
As it is one of the smallest tents designs available, it is also super light at just 4.5 lbs. This can be attributed to the fabric that is used, as well as the single fiberglass pole that frames it out. Additionally, the bungee cords that are attachment points also weigh very little, and it compacts down to fit in its stuff sack for you to easily carry anywhere.
Connecting the Explorer 2 SUV Tent in 6 Steps
Connecting the tent can be done in 6 easy steps:
- Remove the tent and poles from the stuff sack.
- Attach the shock-corded pole and thread it into the fabric.
- Place the tent over the top portion of your vehicle.
- Secure the attached bungee cords on the top of the tent to the underside of your vehicle or wheel well.
- Pop open the hatch. (Tent will take shape)
- Secure the attached bungee cords on the bottom of the tent to the wheel well, and pull the bottom of the tent over your bumper.
As you can see, it’s not complicated and should take all of a minute to set it up once you get the hang of it. You can now use the tent as a shelter from the sun and rain.
Most Asked Questions – We’ve Got You Covered
Nice Mornings with a View
How will I know if this tent will fit my vehicle?
If the vehicle has a rear hatch, this tent should fit it. What it will not work with is vehicles that have rear mounted spare tire. This chart lists a lot of different models it will work with.
Does my vehicle need a roof rack to attach the tent to?
No. The tent comes with bungee cord attachments that can hook onto the underside or wheel wells of your vehicle for a tight fit.
Is this tent waterproof?
Yes, it is. The fabric has been treated with a water-resistant coating and it also has flaps with zipper covers to keep water from creeping in.
DAC Explorer SUV Tent Sizing Guide
If you’re unsure whether this particular model will fit your SUV, then take a look at the sizing guide below. This should help you deter whether its the right choice for you or not, size wise.
Fast Check for Size in the Sizing Guide
As you can see, it’s really versatile and fits the majority of SUV on the market. However, be aware that it won’t fit vehicles with a rear mounted spare tire, as stated above.
Conclusion on the DAC Explorer Tent
The Explorer 2 from DAC is a nice little number that is built for longevity while allowing you the luxury of camping in your SUV. With the convenience that this style of camping affords you, you won’t have to deal with the hassles of pitching a large tent, and you can get a good night’s rest in a more comfortable sleep space. Any solo or couples’ campers should get some good use from this option.
