A mate and I were pondering how we could ensure we don't subject our gear to extreme temperatures in parked cars.

Found this.. http://www.kulcar.com.au/

Has anyone used these units? Seems like a good idea to me.

Looks like a good idea. A little pricey but.

My gear cops alot of hot sun time in the car whilst I'm at work. Would be great to hear some real-life experience with one.

Lets see the science - sounds like crap !! Any review I see is a sales pitch - maybe just leave your windows down a bit !!

maybe just don't leave your gear in your car.

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LostDog said..
A mate and I were pondering how we could ensure we don't subject our gear to extreme temperatures in parked cars.

Found this.. http://www.kulcar.com.au/

Has anyone used these units? Seems like a good idea to me.

hi cheaper versions on ebay.
My gear sites in canvas covered ute rear which gets super hot inside.
no problem I think.
more problem letting your kite flap on the beach while your riding another
or just having a break.
I would say don't worry about it.
maybe composite firewire type boards only which have problem with foam gassing in heat

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LostDog said..
A mate and I were pondering how we could ensure we don't subject our gear to extreme temperatures in parked cars.

Found this.. http://www.kulcar.com.au/

Has anyone used these units? Seems like a good idea to me.

the bladders are made of different material from the valves so their expansion rates are different .this can cause dellamination .probably best not to leave them in the car.

Has anyone actually had any damage done to their gear while leaving it in the car on a hot day? I'm thinking of leaving mine in the car to save the trip home and back to the beach.

No idea about kites, but boards aren't a fan of hot weather. Twintips I have no experience with, but epoxy and fibreglass boards don't fare too well after a long spell in a hot car.

I had an old kite that I ended up replacing
all the strut valves due to heat from the car
It was 2007 kite .
I repair all my own gear except for stitching
In the old days you would submerge the valve
In hot water to get the rest of the valve off , think they glued them on and the glue was crap . Now days I have found that they are laminated on and the hot water trick doesn't work on newer kites , so I don't think the heat is going to unstick them these days .
In saying that I don't leave my gear in the hot car anyway .

Yeah it's generally not a good idea. The glueing or joining technology may have improved, but the bladder material itself is prone to stretching and distortion under heat, and if cars can get up to 60deg inside, you have to wonder what damage you could be risking. If you have two kites and only take one out, try and bring both kites to the beach or secure it to a tree with a bicycle lock and key? But I would avoid heat with kites at all times, especially North kites. They are prone to this.

My gears in the car all the time for after work sessions. I try to park under trees if not I put a sun visor on the windscreen and crack the windows to let breeze in . No problems yet but fingers crossed I ain't jinxed myself

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Loftywinds said..
Yeah it's generally not a good idea. The glueing or joining technology may have improved, but the bladder material itself is prone to stretching and distortion under heat, and if cars can get up to 60deg inside, you have to wonder what damage you could be risking. If you have two kites and only take one out, try and bring both kites to the beach or secure it to a tree with a bicycle lock and key? But I would avoid heat with kites at all times, especially North kites. They are prone to this.

Your on the money there

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Brohan said..
Has anyone actually had any damage done to their gear while leaving it in the car on a hot day? I'm thinking of leaving mine in the car to save the trip home and back to the beach.

As ex kite repairer I can assure you there are plenty of kiters who have experienced kite damage from over-heating in cars.
Almost always delam of valves from bladders - some brands and certain models more prone to this problem.
Some brands of new kites now have valves heat welded rather than 'stuck-on'. Im guessing these will be better.

I'm not sure if this is silly but would a kite fit into a sizeable esky. You don't need ice eskys are cooler inside them as they are.


I only have a few windows in my Van (at the front only) and jammed high rated insulation in all areas of the back which makes the entire thing fairy cool most times or i always have windows down a little so will not have to worry about this. Even windows down an inch will let a lot of the heat rising up in the vehicle out.

leave your windows down a bit cross ventilation,simple cost effective

^^^ and all that is needed

Ive been thinking about sewing up a large insulated bag to keep my kites in while they're in my car. Like those insulated surfboard bags, but for 2-3 kites and fits in my trunk or back seat. Could also throw in sandy gear to help keep the car clean. Curious how effective it could be over a full day.

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pocomo said..
Ive been thinking about sewing up a large insulated bag to keep my kites in while they're in my car. Like those insulated surfboard bags, but for 2-3 kites and fits in my trunk or back seat. Could also throw in sandy gear to help keep the car clean. Curious how effective it could be over a full day.

Sounds like a good idea man. Do it and tell us about it.

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pocomo said..
Ive been thinking about sewing up a large insulated bag to keep my kites in while they're in my car. Like those insulated surfboard bags, but for 2-3 kites and fits in my trunk or back seat. Could also throw in sandy gear to help keep the car clean. Curious how effective it could be over a full day.

This would be good, i want a big bag something like this to just loosely throw the wet kite in and gear until get them home get and out dry them and roll them up properly out of the wind. Would not have to be insulated for my situation cars "yes" might as well.