Main trade-off
Thule Pulse 2 L
The 175 cm ski limit is short for many adult skis.
Head-to-head
Thule Pulse 2 L vs Force 3 L: Pulse lifts lighter, Force adds SlideLock with the same volume and ski limit
The short answer
Choose Pulse 2 L for the lighter lift and slightly lower shell. Choose Force 3 L if its SlideLock operation is worth the extra weight to you. Both advertise 16 cubic feet and 175 cm skis.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
The lighter carrier has the same headline capacity
Pulse 2 L saves 7.7 pounds while matching Force 3 L at 16 cubic feet.
What this is based on
43 - 35.3 = 7.7 pounds. 7.7 / 43 × 100 = 17.9% less empty weight.
Main trade-off
Thule Force 3 L
It is too short for 180 to 200 cm skis.
Thule Pulse 2 L
- Choose it for
- You take the box off between short trips
- A lower installed shell helps your parking setup
- Main trade-off
- The 175 cm ski limit is short for many adult skis.
Thule Force 3 L
- Choose it for
- You prefer separate opening and locking actions
- Your exact bag benefits from the Force interior shape
- Main trade-off
- It is too short for 180 to 200 cm skis.
About this comparison
Compare Pulse 2 L and Force 3 L by lifting weight, installed height, internal fit and lock operation at the same stated cargo volume.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
You take the box off between short trips
Pulse 2 L saves 7.7 pounds while matching Force 3 L at 16 cubic feet.
- Thule Pulse 2 L
- Better fit
- Thule Force 3 L
- Good
You require separate opening and locking actions
Force uses SlideLock with separate opening and locking. Pulse uses a central lock.
- Thule Pulse 2 L
- Not suitable
- Thule Force 3 L
- Better fit
A lower installed shell helps your parking setup
Pulse lists 1.2 inches less height above the bars. Check the actual complete vehicle height.
- Thule Pulse 2 L
- Better fit
- Thule Force 3 L
- Good
Your skis are longer than 175 cm but no longer than 180 cm
Both compared models stop at 175 cm. Motion 3 L extends the allowance to 180 cm at 16 cubic feet.
- Thule Pulse 2 L
- Not suitable
- Thule Force 3 L
- Not suitable
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
The lighter carrier has the same headline capacity
Pulse 2 L saves 7.7 pounds while matching Force 3 L at 16 cubic feet.
How we reached this conclusion
43 - 35.3 = 7.7 pounds. 7.7 / 43 × 100 = 17.9% less empty weight.
The height advantage is measurable
Pulse is 1.2 inches lower above the bars.
How we reached this conclusion
16.8 - 15.6 = 1.2 inches.
The lock is the main operating upgrade
Force has SlideLock with separate opening and locking, while Pulse uses a central lock.
How we reached this conclusion
Manufacturer descriptions identify SlideLock on Force and Central lock on Pulse. Both list PowerClick and dual-side opening.
Choice A
Thule, Pulse 2 L
Thule Pulse 2 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 keep the rear hatch clear
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 76.7 x 33.2 x 15.6 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 Pulse 2 L | Thule Force 3 L | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empty box weight | 35.3 lb | 43 lb | Subtract the shell and rack from the vehicle roof limit before allocating cargo. |
| Exterior height | 15.6 in | 16.8 in | Overall shell height helps compare bulk but cannot establish installed garage clearance. |
| Height above crossbar | 15.6 in | 16.8 in | Add this to the measured top-of-crossbar height to screen garage openings. |
| Exterior length | 76.7 in | 76.8 in | Check roof placement, hatch movement and storage space for the shell. |
| Internal height | 14.5 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 Pulse 2 L
- Central locking is simpler than Motion's SlideLock feedback system.
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 are longer than 175 cm but no longer than 180 cm
Choose neither. Motion 3 L extends the stated ski allowance to 180 cm while keeping 16 cubic feet.
What matters in practice
How to make the call
The lighter carrier has the same headline capacity
For a weekend carrier that comes off on Sunday evening, this is a practical distinction. The saved shell weight also leaves more allowance for luggage on the same vehicle and rack, provided the full system still respects every load limit.
The height advantage is measurable
That difference may help near a garage threshold, but neither box is especially low. The final installed measurement matters more than the model tier. Do the measurement with the car on level ground and leave room for an uneven approach.
The lock is the main operating upgrade
The two boxes already share torque-indicating clamps and access from both sides. Decide whether the Force lock workflow improves frequent loading enough to accept the heavier shell. Equal capacity and nearly identical ski limits offer little reason to upgrade for carrying space alone.
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 Pulse 2 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 Pulse 2 L
You take the box off between short trips
See price & reviews on AmazonThule Force 3 L
You prefer separate opening and locking actions
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.