Main trade-off
Thule Force 3 M
Its 155 cm ski limit excludes most adult skis.
Head-to-head
Thule Force 3 M vs L: L extends ski length, M keeps a shorter shell with a taller interior
The short answer
Choose L when skis exceed 155 cm or the load needs the longer floor. Choose M for shorter gear, a more compact shell and the taller published interior.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
The longer box has a lower interior
L gains 7.8 inches outside but loses 0.7 inches of published internal height.
What this is based on
76.8 - 69 = 7.8 inches. 15.1 - 14.4 = 0.7 inches.
Main trade-off
Thule Force 3 L
It is too short for 180 to 200 cm skis.
Thule Force 3 M
- Choose it for
- Your bags are tall but compact
- You want a shorter shell for the car and storage
- Main trade-off
- Its 155 cm ski limit excludes most adult skis.
Thule Force 3 L
- Choose it for
- Your skis measure 156 to 175 cm
- You need a longer loading floor
- Main trade-off
- It is too short for 180 to 200 cm skis.
About this comparison
Compare Force 3 M and L by ski limits, roof length, empty weight and internal height for a compact car or small family trip.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
Your bags are tall but compact
M lists 0.7 inch more internal height. L provides more length and nominal volume instead.
- Thule Force 3 M
- Better fit
- Thule Force 3 L
- Depends
Your skis are longer than 155 cm and no longer than 175 cm
L increases the published ski maximum from 155 to 175 cm.
- Thule Force 3 M
- Not suitable
- Thule Force 3 L
- Better fit
You want a shorter shell for the car and storage
M is 7.8 inches shorter outside and weighs six pounds less.
- Thule Force 3 M
- Better fit
- Thule Force 3 L
- Good
You need the L ski length with less empty weight
Pulse 2 L keeps the 175 cm limit and 16 cubic feet at 35.3 pounds. Confirm its fit separately.
- Thule Force 3 M
- Caution
- Thule Force 3 L
- Caution
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
The longer box has a lower interior
L gains 7.8 inches outside but loses 0.7 inches of published internal height.
How we reached this conclusion
76.8 - 69 = 7.8 inches. 15.1 - 14.4 = 0.7 inches.
Ski length gives a clear cutoff
The L increases the ski limit from 155 to 175 cm.
How we reached this conclusion
175 - 155 = 20 cm.
The load budget pays for every size step
L weighs six pounds more for two additional cubic feet.
How we reached this conclusion
43 - 37 = 6 pounds. 16 - 14 = 2 cubic feet.
Choice A
Thule, Force 3 M
Thule Force 3 M
The box holds 14 cubic feet. It accepts gear up to 155 centimeters long.
- Best matched use
- keep the rear hatch clear and work with a shorter roof
Checked facts
- The box holds 14 cubic feet.
- It accepts gear up to 155 centimeters long.
- The box uses dualside access.
- Its published exterior size is 69 x 32 x 17.4 inches.
Choice B
Thule, Force 3 L
Thule Force 3 L
The box holds 16 cubic feet. It accepts gear up to 175 centimeters long.
- Best matched use
- carry skis without folding the seats and work with a shorter roof
Checked facts
- The box holds 16 cubic feet.
- It accepts gear up to 175 centimeters long.
- The box uses dualside access.
- Its published exterior size is 76.8 x 33.3 x 16.8 inches.
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | Thule Force 3 M | Thule Force 3 L | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo volume | 14 cu ft | 16 cu ft | Compare the space needed by bags after checking their individual dimensions. |
| Maximum ski length | 155 cm | 175 cm | A ski longer than this documented limit needs a different carrier. |
| Exterior length | 69 in | 76.8 in | Check roof placement, hatch movement and storage space for the shell. |
| Empty box weight | 37 lb | 43 lb | Subtract the shell and rack from the vehicle roof limit before allocating cargo. |
| Internal height | 15.1 in | 14.4 in | The tallest suitcase or boots must fit beneath the curved lid without forcing it closed. |
What you give up
Every choice has a cost
If you choose Thule Force 3 M
- The tall 17.4-inch profile adds more garage height than low-profile boxes.
If you choose Thule Force 3 L
- Its 16.8-inch height above the crossbar is not a low-garage specialist.
Recommendation switch
The decision flips if...
You need the L ski length while keeping shell weight down
Choose neither. Pulse 2 L keeps the 175 cm rating and 16 cubic feet at 35.3 pounds.
What matters in practice
How to make the call
The longer box has a lower interior
An upright rigid case can therefore fit the M more plausibly even though the L advertises more overall volume. Measure the planned orientation and consider lying the bag flat before deciding whether the larger shell resolves the packing problem.
Ski length gives a clear cutoff
For a 170 cm ski bag, the M is outside the manufacturer guidance. The L is a candidate, subject to the bag and binding shape. For skis beyond 175 cm, move to a longer box instead of assuming the L title covers all adult equipment.
The load budget pays for every size step
If the roof allowance is low, fill the remaining weight budget on paper before buying. The L makes most sense for bulky soft luggage that needs volume. Dense loads can leave its extra interior unused.
What this comparison cannot tell you
- Cargo dimensions and manufacturer load ratings cannot predict wind noise, fuel use or how a particular bag packs around mounting hardware.
What the facts say
What the comparison shows
Useful conclusions from the current roof cargo boxes comparison, followed by the checked facts used to reach them.
Compared set
18 of 26 models checked match every need here: “Carry camping gear” and “Open it from either side”.
18 matching models from 26 checkedMeasured difference
Thule Force 3 L lists 16 cu ft for published cargo volume, 14% above Thule Force 3 M at 14 cu ft.
- Thule Force 3 M
- 14 cu ft
- Thule Force 3 L
- 16 cu ft
- Comparable models
- 20 of 26
See the checked facts and calculation notes
Match countThe count uses the current product-to-need assignments for “Carry camping gear” and “Open it from either side”. A need with no documented match does not count.
Calculation noteThis compares published exterior-category volume. Shape, mounting hardware and long gear can reduce practical packing space. 20 of 26 models have comparable published figures for context.
| Product | Needs matched | Checked facts | Source records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thule Force 3 M |
|
| |
| Thule Force 3 L |
|
|
Ready to choose?
Check the price. Read the owner reviews.
Open either model on Amazon to check the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Thule Force 3 M
Your bags are tall but compact
See price & reviews on AmazonThule Force 3 L
Your skis measure 156 to 175 cm
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.