YouTube Creators: BLM Vehicle Lengths & Info

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RoadtripsAndCampfires

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Hi, Christine here.  I'm wondering if the folks who travel BLM sites, especially those who post about it, could indicate if the roads have turnouts of some sort that a trailer or longer vehicle could turn out in would be helpful if you mentioned that in the video.  Also, if possible can you tell us where you are at the beginning of the video? (Unless of course you post daily and don't want folks to know where you are).  

Thanks for reading....
 
there are hundreds of thousands of roads on BLM land.  they run the gamut from improved to dirt tracks.  here's an image of BLM lands,

BLM_map.png

as you can see the land under BLM management is huge.  if you have a specific area it would be more helpful.  highdesertranger
 

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HDR. I bought a trail map from the QIA while here that is supposed to show trails. It's highly lacking - very bad really and I was wondering if you knew of something better. I'm always running out in the desert and seeing trail posts that aren't on my map.


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I my experience it seems those numbered road signs get placed incorrectly a lot of times. Nothing like coming to a T intersection and all three roads have the same number. A good GPS that shows the track of where you have been makes it much easier to determine where you need to go.
 
Freecampsites.net attempts to provide that information. Personally, I would not attempt a backcountry road with a trailer unless it was known to be good. Even without a trailer I will just stop and then hike the road for a bit, when things start looking iffy. The need to scout makes an electric bike or small motorcycle all the more attractive.
 
get the current BLM map. they are available at the entrance to the LTVA's in the shack. 5 bucks. the problem is the BLM changed all the numbers on the roads a couple of years ago making all previous maps obsolete. for whatever reason the BLM has a habit of doing this. highdesertranger
 
I liked the pic with the map of BLM land. While not very detailed, it really gives a perspective into just how much BLM land is out there ... add to that national forest land and all of a sudden, it feels like there just might be enough room for all of us! :)
 
Using Google maps or Apple maps in satellite view is a great way to preview boondocking campsites. It's easy to see turnouts and how big they are. Have even used it to scout new areas for campsites.
 
highdesertranger said:
there are hundreds of thousands of roads on BLM land.  they run the gamut from improved to dirt tracks.  here's an image of BLM lands,



as you can see the land under BLM management is huge.  if you have a specific area it would be more helpful.  highdesertranger

Hellow highesertranger.  Yes, I am aware of that.  What I am referrring to is a lot of the videos show location and give GPS but some don't tell us where they are until later which I'd rather wait till they've moved on and get the info with the video at the time I am viewing it.  A comment about turnouts, etc. would  be helpful.

We are thinking about getting an Ebike with fat tires for getting around to check things out or run to the store.  I guess another thought would be the roads are going to vary from year to year depending upon what Mother Nature brought over that time.
 
bonvanroulez said:
Using Google maps or Apple maps in satellite view is a great way to preview boondocking campsites. It's easy to see turnouts and how big they are. Have even used it to scout new areas for campsites.

Good idea.  I guess I haven't magnified the view enough in the past but I haven't been BLM camping much, mostly known good roads to forests, etc. that are pay sites.  In those cases I check the campsite pages and there are weather warnings when appropriate.  I'll have to do more views and larger when I start wanting to go out of our comfort zone on BLM.
 
All these tips are great, but even if some review says this and that road is big enough for any rig, you need to do your homework and also scout if possible, because things can change quite a bit over a short time, ruts from weather, soft spots, construction all can put your plans in jeopardy. Always have a plan b in place and another spot nearby that you can choose if things have changed or look iffy when you get there.
 
bonvanroulez said:
Using Google maps or Apple maps in satellite view is a great way to preview boondocking campsites . . .

Just be aware that the images on Google earth can be up to 3 years old...A lot can change in 3 years.  And if you are searching in a heavily forested area you might not see much.  It's a good tool, but it has its limits like any other tool.
 
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