Main trade-off
Thule Motion 3 L
It will not take 200 cm skis.
Head-to-head
Thule Motion 3 L vs Force 3 L: Motion fits 176–180 cm skis, Force uses less roof width
The short answer
Choose Motion 3 L for skis between 176 and 180 cm or a slightly taller interior. Choose Force 3 L when the narrower shell fits the roof better and 175 cm skis cover your needs.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
A small ski difference can decide the purchase
Motion accepts five centimeters more ski length.
What this is based on
180 - 175 = 5 cm. A 178 cm ski exceeds Force guidance by 3 cm.
Main trade-off
Thule Force 3 L
It is too short for 180 to 200 cm skis.
Thule Motion 3 L
- Choose it for
- Your skis are just over 175 cm
- Your rigid luggage needs more interior height
- Main trade-off
- It will not take 200 cm skis.
Thule Force 3 L
- Choose it for
- You need a narrower exterior box
- Your skis are 175 cm or shorter
- Main trade-off
- It is too short for 180 to 200 cm skis.
About this comparison
Compare Motion 3 L and Force 3 L by ski limits, usable height, roof width and weight while keeping the same 16-cubic-foot volume.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
Your skis are longer than 175 cm and no longer than 180 cm
Motion lists 180 cm while Force stops at 175 cm.
- Thule Motion 3 L
- Better fit
- Thule Force 3 L
- Not suitable
You need a narrower exterior box
Force is 0.9 inch narrower outside. Check combined carrier and crossbar space.
- Thule Motion 3 L
- Depends
- Thule Force 3 L
- Better fit
Your rigid luggage needs more interior height
Motion lists 15 inches of internal height against 14.4 inches for Force.
- Thule Motion 3 L
- Better fit
- Thule Force 3 L
- Depends
Your skis fit 175 cm and frequent lifting matters most
Pulse 2 L offers the same 16-cubic-foot volume at 35.3 pounds, lighter than both compared models.
- Thule Motion 3 L
- Caution
- Thule Force 3 L
- Caution
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
A small ski difference can decide the purchase
Motion accepts five centimeters more ski length.
How we reached this conclusion
180 - 175 = 5 cm. A 178 cm ski exceeds Force guidance by 3 cm.
Motion gains height while Force gains floor length
Motion lists 15 inches of internal height against 14.4, while Force has 73.6 inches of internal length against 72.
How we reached this conclusion
15 - 14.4 = 0.6 inches taller in Motion. 73.6 - 72 = 1.6 inches longer in Force.
The lighter choice is nearly a tie
Force saves only 0.6 pounds but narrows the exterior by 0.9 inches.
How we reached this conclusion
43.6 - 43 = 0.6 pounds. 34.2 - 33.3 = 0.9 inches.
Choice A
Thule, Motion 3 L Titan Glossy
Thule Motion 3 L
The box holds 16 cubic feet. It accepts gear up to 180 centimeters long.
- Best matched use
- carry skis without folding the seats and keep the rear hatch clear
Checked facts
- The box holds 16 cubic feet.
- It accepts gear up to 180 centimeters long.
- The box uses dualside access.
- Its published exterior size is 76.5 x 34.2 x 16.5 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 Motion 3 L | Thule Force 3 L | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum ski length | 180 cm | 175 cm | A ski longer than this documented limit needs a different carrier. |
| Exterior length | 76.5 in | 76.8 in | Check roof placement, hatch movement and storage space for the shell. |
| Exterior width | 34.2 in | 33.3 in | This consumes crossbar room that might otherwise hold a bike carrier. |
| Empty box weight | 43.6 lb | 43 lb | Subtract the shell and rack from the vehicle roof limit before allocating cargo. |
| Internal height | 15 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 Motion 3 L
- Its 16-cubic-foot volume is less forgiving for a four-person trip than the XL or XXL.
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...
Your skis stay within 175 cm and frequent lifting matters most
Choose neither. Pulse 2 L offers the same 16-cubic-foot volume with a 35.3-pound empty weight.
What matters in practice
How to make the call
A small ski difference can decide the purchase
This is a specific fit advantage for equipment near the boundary. It does not mean the Motion can accommodate significantly longer Nordic skis. Measure the actual ski and bag, then leave room for the way bindings and poles sit inside.
Motion gains height while Force gains floor length
Choose around the least flexible item in the load. A rigid tall case and a long folded stroller stress different parts of the box. Equal volume cannot tell you which one will fit, and the stated ski rating remains the safer guide for skis.
The lighter choice is nearly a tie
The weight difference is unlikely to transform removal, while the width could matter alongside a bike rack. Both are approximately 43-pound shells with dual-side access and PowerClick mounting. Decide from the tightest vehicle or cargo dimension.
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 checkedSee 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.
| Product | Needs matched | Checked facts | Source records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thule Motion 3 L |
|
| |
| 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 Motion 3 L
Your skis are just over 175 cm
See price & reviews on AmazonThule Force 3 L
You need a narrower exterior box
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.