Recreational & Family - Burley on a Roof Rack - Anyone done it?

I am trying to figure a way out to transport my Burley d'Lite on a roof rack without beating it up to much and without scratching the roof of the car - a Mazda Tribute with the standard factory installed roof rack.. I have looked into soft cargo bags to put the burley into and they are cost prohibitive for the size that is needed (roughly 4 ft by 3.5 ft).

Anyone else has transported their burley on a roof rack? If so how have you done it?

i haven't tried it with the burley, but i plan to do just this with my chariot tomorrow---in theory the chariot will fold down and fit into the cargo box (15"x32"x55"). my brother has the same burley as you, and we chatted about how much drag it would produce tied to the top of a car; though if you're going at low speeds on short trips it shouldn't be much of a problem---just tie it down securely using some quality compression ties (we bought ours at automotive or motorcycle stores). I personally wouldn't tie it to the top for a highway trip.

best of luck, and let us know how it goes!

I personally wouldn't tie it to the top for a highway trip.

best of luck, and let us know how it goes!

My current thoughts match yours for a highway trip as well, but we are looking at a 4 hour trip the first time and multiple 1 - 3 hour trips throughout the summer. New thinking is that I might be able to squeeze it into the Tribute, but that would be close and with a car seat in the back not much seat folding I can do.

Maybe I will need to look into spending the money on a a cargo carrier to set it into.

actually i just read another BF post where someone with your same burley put it into a cargo box up top (it was a 36"-wide yak box); they also put two bikes up top alongside as well. so, yeah, it can be done, and done well!

for whatever reason i thought the burley couldn't fold (well, because my brother told me his couldn't). well, i stand corrected. and you stand to have some very pleasant trips this summer! happy riding!

Yea it does fold up pretty nicely. Should be a fun summer of riding and pulling the kid once I figure out how to transport the Burley :)

just fit my chariot cx2 into the cargo box (16 ft^2 box). room enough for some other gear, too, including wheels.

We have a Burley Hone Bee. I take the wheels off, fold the trailer and attach it to the roof rack of our Subaru Outback with bungee cords on each of the four corners. It's pretty easy to do.

I often hang my Burley D'Lites off a rear rack, fixed to the trunk. Keeps the roof clear for bikes, tandems or roofbox. Keeps trunk clear for panniers. Keeps the car clear for kids! Not that they keep it clear in return.

Stuart
www.familyonabike.org

I often hang my Burley D'Lites off a rear rack, fixed to the trunk.

Stuart,

Thanks for posting this idea and the picture. I had been wondering if this sort of solution might allow us to bring our Burley, bikes and roof-top box on a family trip this summer. We have a car similar to yours, so it looks like a go!

7speed,
You're welcome. I reckon the hardest part of any trip is getting to the start. And getting home again! Especially if you're set up is at all non-standard. It all makes the cycling so easy.
Just check the loading limits on your car roof though in case of overload!
Stuart
www.familyonabike.org