Jake - The Dirtbag Engineer
The Dirtbag Engineer
145 published guides
Jake is an Auto Roamer editorial voice for the spec-sheet-first reader — car accessories, dash cams, and 12V power, with attention to the numbers that actually matter and the corners manufacturers cut. Every figure in these guides is source-linked; nothing is taken on marketing faith.
Every guide under this byline follows our sourcing standards — specs cross-checked against manufacturer documentation, owner reports, and expert third-party reviews. Read how we research.
Guides by Jake - The Dirtbag Engineer
- Where Can You Legally Sleep in Your Car by State? (2026 Guide) car-accessories · 2026-07-01 · Last verified 2026-07-01
- Can You Sleep in a Toyota RAV4? The Folded Floor, the Heat Trap & the Plug-In Outlet car-accessories · 2026-06-29 · Last verified 2026-06-29
- 2026 Subaru Outback Cargo Dimensions (Sleeping Fit) car-accessories · 2026-06-29 · Last verified 2026-06-29
- 2026 Kia Camper Van: What's Real vs Concept car-accessories · 2026-06-29 · Last verified 2026-06-29
- 2026 VW California: Price, Specs & Will It Come to the US? car-accessories · 2026-06-29 · Last verified 2026-06-29
- Dash Cam Installation for a 2026 VW Tiguan: Plug-and-Play vs. Hardwire Dash Cams · 2026-04-13 · Last verified 2026-06-24
- Best Trailer Brake Controller for Towing (2026 Guide) Car Accessories · 2026-03-14 · Last verified 2026-06-19
- Best Car Phone Mount for Road Trips (2026 Guide) Car Accessories · 2026-03-17 · Last verified 2026-06-19
- Best Car Camping Mattress for SUVs & Sedans (2026) Car Camping · 2026-03-17 · Last verified 2026-06-19
- Best Car Window Deflectors 2026: 6 Rain Guards Compared Car Accessories · 2026-04-14 · Last verified 2026-06-19
- Best Car Fm Transmitter Smart Car Tech · 2026-04-14 · Last verified 2026-06-19
- Best AUTO-VOX Backup Camera: The Lineup Compared Smart Car Tech · 2026-03-14 · Last verified 2026-06-19
- Best Ecoflow Power Station for Road Trips (2026 Complete Guide) Car Accessories · 2026-03-13 · Last verified 2026-06-19
- Best Portable Power Station Under $500 (Car Camping) Car Camping · 2026-03-17 · Last verified 2026-06-19
- Best Portable Power Station for Overlanding (2026) Car Accessories · 2026-03-13 · Last verified 2026-06-18
- Best 12V Car Fridge for Road Trips & Camping (Spec-Compared) Car Camping · 2026-03-18 · Last verified 2026-06-18
- Best Dashcam Memory Card for 4k Recording Dash Cams · 2026-05-24
- Nextbase 622gw vs Thinkware U1000 Car Accessories · 2026-05-22
- Best Dash Cam for Trucks Smart Car Tech · 2026-05-19
- Best Budget Dashcam Under 100 Complete Guide Dash Cams · 2026-05-19
- Best Portable Car Jump Starter Under 100 Car Accessories · 2026-04-25
- VW Tiguan Car Camping: Can You Sleep in 69 Inches? Car Accessories · 2026-04-14
- 2026 VW California Camper Van Review: Worth It? Smart Car Tech · 2026-04-14
- VIOFO Dash Cam Review 2026: A229 Pro vs A119 Mini Smart Car Tech · 2026-04-14
- Toyota Sequoia Camping: 75 Inches of Sleeping Length Car Accessories · 2026-04-14
- Toyota Corolla Cross Camping: Can You Sleep in It? Car Accessories · 2026-04-14
- Mercedes GLE Cargo Dimensions: Can You Sleep in It? Car Camping · 2026-04-14
- Best Kia Sportage Camping Gear for 74.1 Cu Ft Car Accessories · 2026-04-14
- Kia PV5 Camper Van: Full Car-Camping Setup Guide Car Accessories · 2026-04-14
- Kia EV9 Camping Guide: V2L Power + Flat Sleep Setup Car Accessories · 2026-04-14
- Hyundai Kona Camping: Sleeping in 54.8 Cubic Feet Car Accessories · 2026-04-14
- Honda Element Camping: 78 Inches of Flat Sleeping Space Car Camping · 2026-04-14
- Garmin Dashcam Review (2025 Complete Guide) Smart Car Tech · 2026-04-14
- Dashcam vs Phone Camera (2025 Comparison) Smart Car Tech · 2026-04-14
- Can a Dog Ride in a Truck Bed? 6 States Ban It, Most Don't Travel · 2026-04-14
- Best Dog Car Seat for Small Dogs (2026 Complete Guide) Travel · 2026-04-14
- Best ADAS Dash Cams 2026: Lane & Collision Alerts Dash Cams · 2026-04-14
- Best Dashcam for Uber & Lyft Drivers (2026 Guide) Smart Car Tech · 2026-04-14
- Best Dash Cam for Tesla (2026): Model 3 & Y Picks Smart Car Tech · 2026-04-14
- Best Dashcam for Night Driving: Low-light Picks Dash Cams · 2026-04-14
- Best Dash Cam Apps for iPhone & Android (2026, Tested) Dash Cams · 2026-04-14
- Best Car Emergency Kit: 7 Items That Actually Matter Roadside Car Maintenance & Safety · 2026-04-14
- Best Car Accessories for Long Road Trips Smart Car Tech · 2026-04-14
- Backup Camera Black Screen? Fix It Now Smart Car Tech · 2026-04-14
- 2026 Ford Explorer Cargo Dimensions & Capacity Car Accessories · 2026-04-14
- How to Choose the Right Size Windshield Sun Shade Car Accessories · 2026-04-13
- Ford Explorer 2026 Dashcam Installation: DIY vs Professional Dash Cams · 2026-04-13
- Dash Cam Power Source for Kia PV5 Camper Dash Cams · 2026-04-13
- Dash Cam Hardwire Kit Fuse Types: ATO vs Mini, 5A-10A Dash Cams · 2026-04-13
- Car Seat Cushions for Sciatica: Complete Guide Car Accessories · 2026-04-13
- Best Car Seat Cushion for Sciatica Car Accessories · 2026-04-13
- EcoFlow River 2 for Dash Cam Parking Mode: Real Runtime Car Accessories · 2026-04-10
- Repair Costs for Dashcam Hardwire Installation Errors Dash Cams · 2026-04-06
- OBD2 Scanner Data for Diagnosing Pre-purchase Used Car Issues Smart Car Tech · 2026-04-06
- Best Tire Pressure Monitoring System for Road Trips Smart Car Tech · 2026-04-05
- Best Portable Air Compressor for Car Camping Car Accessories · 2026-04-05
- Best Car Seat Organizers for Road Trips: Tested Picks Car Accessories · 2026-04-05
- Road Trip Gear for Avoiding Common Roadside Assistance Calls Car Accessories · 2026-04-03
- Best Portable Jump Starter Under 100 Car Accessories · 2026-04-03
- Best Portable Car Vacuum for Road Trips Car Accessories · 2026-04-03
- Best Dashcam for Night Driving Dash Cams · 2026-04-03
- Best Car Phone Mount for Dashboard Car Accessories · 2026-04-03
- How Dashcam Features Influence Car Insurance Discounts Dash Cams · 2026-04-02
- Dashcam Buying Guide: New Vs. Used Car Considerations Dash Cams · 2026-04-02
- Garmin Mini 2 Dash Cam Camping Mount Car Accessories · 2026-04-01
- BlackVue DR900X-2CH Review: Is the ~$480 4K Cam Worth It? Car Accessories · 2026-04-01
- Best Dash Cam for the Kia PV5 Camper (Heat-Tested 2026) Dash Cams · 2026-04-01
- Best Dash Cam for Volkswagen Tiguan Car Accessories · 2026-04-01
- Best Dash Cam for SUV Camping: 5 Picks Built for Off-Road Trips Car Accessories · 2026-04-01
- Best Dash Cam for 2026 Volkswagen Camper Van Car Accessories · 2026-04-01
- Best Dash Cam Battery Pack: 7500mAh Runs 12-18 Hrs Dash Cams · 2026-04-01
- Best Dash Cams for 2026 Kia Camper Van Dash Cams · 2026-04-01
- Best Car Window Rain Guards for Camping: Vent in the Rain Car Camping · 2026-04-01
- Best Camping Gear for Kia Sportage Setup Car Camping · 2026-04-01
- Best Battery for Dash Cams Dash Cams · 2026-04-01
- Best Battery Maintainer for Car Camping: 5 Picks That Hold 12.6V Car Camping · 2026-04-01
- Tiguan Stealth Car Camping: Maximizing Space and Security With a Hidden Dashcam Setup Car Accessories · 2026-03-31
- Tiguan Car Camping: Ultimate Setup for Weekend Warriors Car Accessories · 2026-03-31
- Cruisecam Dash Cam Car Camping Review Car Accessories · 2026-03-31
- BlackVue DR900X-2CH Review: 4K, but ~300mA Parking Draw Car Accessories · 2026-03-31
- Best Roof Top Tents for SUVs: 5 Picks from $1,500 to $4,500 Car Accessories · 2026-03-31
- Best Portable Power Stations for Car Camping Car Accessories · 2026-03-31
- Best Dash Cam Hardwire Kit: LVC at 11.8V Saves Your Battery Car Accessories · 2026-03-31
- VW Tiguan 2026 Dash Cam: Top Picks Car Accessories · 2026-03-31
- Best Dash Cam for SUV Towing Car Accessories · 2026-03-31
- Best Dash Cam for Kia Soul Camping Car Accessories · 2026-03-31
- Toyota RAV4 Car Camping Guide: Sleep Setup That Works Car Camping · 2026-03-30
- Best Viofo Dash Cam Smart Car Tech · 2026-03-30
- Best Portable Jump Starter for Cars: 4 Picks for a Dead 12V Car Accessories · 2026-03-30
- Best Portable Air Compressor for Tires Review Car Accessories · 2026-03-30
- Best Dash Cam with Parking Mode: 5 Picks from $180 to $500 Dash Cams · 2026-03-30
- Best Dash Cam for Uber and Lyft Drivers Smart Car Tech · 2026-03-30
- Best Backup Cameras for Older Cars Smart Car Tech · 2026-03-30
- 2026 Ford Explorer Camping Guide: Sleep, Specs & FAQ Car Camping · 2026-03-30
- Vehicle Modifications for Car Camping and Resale Value Car Camping · 2026-03-20
- Solar Dash Cam: 2026 Review & Buyer's Guide Car Accessories · 2026-03-20
- Rooftop Tent for Volkswagen California Camper Car Accessories · 2026-03-20
- Roof Rack Install Damage: 4 Red Flags Before You Buy Car Accessories · 2026-03-20
- Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 Review: Is the $130 Cam Worth It? Car Accessories · 2026-03-20
- Best Portable Jump Starter for Camping Car Accessories · 2026-03-20
- Best Dashcam for Tesla Model 3 2025 Car Accessories · 2026-03-20
- Best Dashcam for RV WiFi Hotspot Car Accessories · 2026-03-20
- Best Dashcam for RV Rear View Car Accessories · 2026-03-20
- Best Car Window Rain Guards: 3 In-Channel and Tape-On Picks Car Accessories · 2026-03-20
- 2026 Ford Explorer Cargo Space Behind Second Row Car Accessories · 2026-03-20
- Choosing a Dashcam for a Used Car With Unknown Electrical History Dash Cams · 2026-03-19
- Best Windshield Sun Shade for Cars and SUVs Car Accessories · 2026-03-19
- Best Car Emergency Kit for Road Trips and Camping Car Maintenance & Safety · 2026-03-18
- Best Roof Rack Cargo Box for Road Trips and Car Camping Car Camping · 2026-03-17
- Best Portable Tire Inflator for Road Trips and Car Camping Car Camping · 2026-03-17
- Best Portable Camping Stove for Car Camping (2026) Car Camping · 2026-03-17
- Best Dash Cam Hardwire Kit for Parking Mode (2026) Smart Car Tech · 2026-03-17
- Best Dashcam for Car Camping and Overlanding Smart Car Tech · 2026-03-17
- Best Car Trunk Organizers for Road Trips (2026) Car Accessories · 2026-03-17
- How to Power Dashcam 24 Hours While Car Camping Dash Cams · 2026-03-15
- How to Hardwire Dashcam for Off Grid Camping Dash Cams · 2026-03-15
- Dashcam Battery Drain Prevention Car Camping Dash Cams · 2026-03-15
- Best Roof Rack for Car Camping Gear (2026 Complete Guide) Car Accessories · 2026-03-14
- Best Portable Fridge for Car Camping (2026 Complete Guide) Car Accessories · 2026-03-14
- Best Portable Car Jump Starter 2026 (2026 Complete Guide) Car Accessories · 2026-03-14
- Best Dash Cam with Parking Mode & ADAS Features (2026) Dash Cams · 2026-03-14
- Best Car Camping LED Light Bar (2026 Complete Guide) Smart Car Tech · 2026-03-14
- Best Car Camping Inverter for Power Tools Car Accessories · 2026-03-14
- Best Battery Charger Maintainer for Car Camping Car Accessories · 2026-03-14
- Best Backup Camera System for Older Trucks Smart Car Tech · 2026-03-14
- Repair Costs for Damaged Car Comfort Features Car Camping · 2026-03-13
- Best Roof Rack for SUV Camping: Load Path First Car Accessories · 2026-03-13
- Best Parking Mode Dashcam for Car Camping Dash Cams · 2026-03-13
- Common Backup Camera Failure Points and DIY Diagnosis Smart Car Tech · 2026-03-08
- How to Retrieve Dashcam Footage After a Car is Totaled Dash Cams · 2026-03-07
- How Car Comfort Features Influence Vehicle Resale Value Car Camping · 2026-03-07
- Cost of Replacing Integrated Smart Car Tech Components Smart Car Tech · 2026-03-07
- Cost of Car Repairs for Common Family Travel Vehicle Issues Travel · 2026-03-07
- Common Car Accessory Installation Errors That Cause Repair Costs Car Accessories · 2026-03-07
- Salvage Title Car Camping Vehicle Risks Car Camping · 2026-03-06
- Cost of Common Family Car Repairs (2026 Complete Guide) Travel · 2026-03-06
- Understanding Condensation in Car Camping Setups Car Camping · 2026-03-05
- Understanding Can Bus System Diagnostics Smart Car Tech · 2026-03-05
- The Impact of Extreme Temperatures on Dashcam Components Dash Cams · 2026-03-05
- How to Handle a Tire Blowout While Driving Travel · 2026-03-05
- How Road Vibration Impacts Driver Fatigue Car Camping · 2026-03-05
- Hidden Car Costs (2026 Complete Guide) Car Accessories · 2026-03-05
- Checking Vehicle History for Previous Gear Modifications Car Accessories · 2026-03-05
- Why Your Car Battery Dies in Cold Weather and the Real Fix Car Maintenance & Safety · 2026-03-03
- Why Your Car AC Smells Like Wet Socks After 5 Minutes Car Maintenance & Safety · 2026-03-02