The catch
Thule Force 3 L
Skis from 180 to 200 cm are too long for it.
Side by side
Thule Force 3 L vs L Sport: Sport has a narrower shell, leaving shared roof space without shortening ski fit
Quick verdict
Wider luggage points to Force 3 L, while crossbars that must also carry a bicycle point to L Sport. The Sport narrows the shell and still has the same 175 cm ski allowance.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
The Sport frees up bar width
Measured outside, L Sport comes in 8.6 inches narrower than Force 3 L.
Where this comes from
On the same rack, 33.3 - 24.7 = 8.6 inches of nominal width is freed up.
The catch
Thule Force 3 L Sport
Longer touring and Nordic skis exceed its 175 cm ski limit.
Thule Force 3 L
- Why pick it
- Your suitcases are wide
- The cargo box gets the whole roof
- The catch
- Skis from 180 to 200 cm are too long for it.
Thule Force 3 L Sport
- Why pick it
- A bike has to fit next to the box
- The box comes off often
- The catch
- Longer touring and Nordic skis exceed its 175 cm ski limit.
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What this page compares
See how Force 3 L and L Sport differ in roof width, box weight and interior shape, and in how much luggage fits beside another roof-mounted carrier.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Your suitcases are wide
Outside, Force 3 L is 8.6 inches wider. Compare actual case dimensions with each interior opening.
- Thule Force 3 L
- Better fit
- Thule Force 3 L Sport
- Depends
A bike has to fit next to the box
Although L Sport is narrower, usable bar space and the other carrier still call for a combined fit check.
- Thule Force 3 L
- Depends
- Thule Force 3 L Sport
- Better fit
The cargo box gets the whole roof
L Sport has 11 cubic feet, against 16 cubic feet for Force 3 L. What L Sport gives in return is nine pounds less empty weight.
- Thule Force 3 L
- Better fit
- Thule Force 3 L Sport
- Good
Your narrow box has to take skis over 175 cm and up to 210 cm
Neither of the compared boxes goes past 175 cm. Horizon Alpine lists a 210 cm ski allowance and passenger-side access.
- Thule Force 3 L
- Not suitable
- Thule Force 3 L Sport
- Not suitable
In practice
Differences you will notice
The Sport frees up bar width
Measured outside, L Sport comes in 8.6 inches narrower than Force 3 L.
How we worked this out
On the same rack, 33.3 - 24.7 = 8.6 inches of nominal width is freed up.
The loss of volume is big
Sport loses five cubic feet but keeps the 175 cm ski limit.
How we worked this out
16 - 11 = 5 cubic feet, and 5 / 16 × 100 = 31.25% less nominal space.
The narrow shell suits frequent removal
With L Sport, the empty lift drops from 43 to 34 pounds.
How we worked this out
43 - 34 = 9 pounds of empty weight saved.
Option A
Thule, Force 3 L
Thule Force 3 L
It offers 16 cubic feet and fits gear up to 175 centimeters in length.
- Best for
- take skis along with the seats left up and suit a shorter roof
Facts we checked
- Capacity is 16 cubic feet.
- Gear up to 175 centimeters long fits.
- Dualside access is how it opens.
- Its published exterior size is 76.8 x 33.3 x 16.8 inches.
Option B
Thule, 645650
Force 3 L Sport
Built for smaller loads that share the roof with other gear, this narrow box uses the Force 3 mounting and locking hardware.
- Best for
- Leaving space on the crossbars for a bike carrier
Facts we checked
- Advertised volume of 11 cubic feet
- Published maximum ski length of 175 cm
- Measures 75.2 by 24.7 by 16.7 inches outside
- Empty: 34 pounds
- Published internal height of 14.4 inches
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Thule Force 3 L | Thule Force 3 L Sport | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo volume | 16 cu ft | 11 cu ft | Once each bag's dimensions are checked, compare the space they need. |
| Exterior length | 76.8 in | 75.2 in | Look at where the shell sits on the roof, how the hatch moves and where it is stored. |
| Exterior width | 33.3 in | 24.7 in | It takes up crossbar room that could otherwise go to a bike carrier. |
| Empty box weight | 43 lb | 34 lb | Before you allocate cargo, take the shell and rack off the vehicle roof limit. |
| Exterior height | 16.8 in | 16.7 in | Overall shell height is useful for comparing bulk and says nothing certain about installed garage clearance. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Thule Force 3 L
- At 16.8 inches above the crossbar, it is not built for low garages.
With Thule Force 3 L Sport
- With a 20.2-inch interior that is narrow, wide suitcases fit poorly.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Your narrow box has to take skis over 175 cm and up to 210 cm
Neither model fits. With passenger-side access, Horizon Alpine lists a 210 cm ski allowance and a 21-inch exterior width. Confirm roof fit and hatch clearance.
Decision guide
How to decide
The Sport frees up bar width
Since a bike carrier needs room for its mounts, handlebar and pedal, the 8.6-inch difference only gives you a starting point and does not guarantee a fit. Place both carriers on your real bars first, before you assume the bicycle can sit safely beside the box.
The loss of volume is big
Two skiers whose boots ride in the trunk may find the slim shell sufficient. A family putting several broad bags on the roof will get more from the regular L. Having an identical ski limit does not mean equal room for poles, helmets and clothing.
The narrow shell suits frequent removal
Each time the box comes off for garage storage, you feel the weight difference. Both have PowerClick clamps and dual-side access, so pick the Sport because the box itself is narrower and lighter. The mounting routine is the same.
What this page can’t tell you
- Wind noise, fuel use and the way a given bag packs around the mounting hardware are things cargo dimensions and manufacturer load ratings cannot predict.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the roof cargo boxes we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
18 of the 26 models checked meet every need here: “Haul camping gear” and “Load from both sides”.
18 models fit, out of 26 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “Haul camping gear” and “Load from both sides”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thule Force 3 L |
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| Thule Force 3 L Sport |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Thule Force 3 L
Your suitcases are wide
See price & reviews on AmazonThule Force 3 L Sport
A bike has to fit next to the box
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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