Skankingbiker

Taking a trip with the family (3.5 hrs highway) and considering transporting our burley trailer on the roof of my Subaru imprezza. My thought was to break it down and use bungies/tie downs to the running rails (no cross bars). Anyone done this? bad idea?

fourknees

I have done this on a toyota corolla with a Yakima roof rack with the lightweight basket case. I've done it with wheels off and put in the trunk as https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worl...rmany.htmlwell as with wheels on. With wheels on the wheels actually sit on the roof and the trailer strattles the basket (the narrow width).
I of course had the sides of the trailer collapsed down flat. I didn't go 3.5 hours, but did go on the highway. I had it all strapped down good with a couple bungees and a rope and had no problems.
I always say if you can shake it and it moves the car it's not going anywhere.

Spld cyclist

I assume you have one that folds flat. If so, I personally might be willing to try it if it can be made really secure. Maybe go on a 0.5 hour trip and see how it holds up.

One thing to consider is whether the fabric can take 7 hours of flapping in a 65 mph breeze. I've ruined tarps that way. Nylon should be more resistant to such damage than the stiffer fabric that tarps are made out of, but maybe you should think about that question a little more.