The catch
Thule Force 3 M
Most adult skis are longer than its 155 cm limit.
Side by side
Thule Force 3 M vs L: L gives more ski length, and M keeps a shorter shell with a taller interior
Quick verdict
L is the pick when skis exceed 155 cm or the load needs the longer floor. M suits shorter gear and gives you a more compact shell and the taller published interior.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Interior height is lower in the longer box
L grows 7.8 inches outside, though it loses 0.7 inches of published internal height.
Where this comes from
Outside: 76.8 - 69 = 7.8 inches. 15.1 - 14.4 = 0.7 inches.
The catch
Thule Force 3 L
Skis from 180 to 200 cm are too long for it.
Thule Force 3 M
- Why pick it
- Compact, tall bags are what you pack
- A shorter shell would suit both car and storage
- The catch
- Most adult skis are longer than its 155 cm limit.
Thule Force 3 L
- Why pick it
- Skis of yours run from 156 to 175 cm
- Your load needs a longer floor
- The catch
- Skis from 180 to 200 cm are too long for it.
We may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money
What this page compares
For a compact car or a small family trip, Force 3 M and L differ in ski limits, roof length, empty weight and internal height.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Compact, tall bags are what you pack
L gives more length and nominal volume, while M lists 0.7 inch more internal height.
- Thule Force 3 M
- Better fit
- Thule Force 3 L
- Depends
Your skis run past 155 cm but not past 175 cm
From 155 to 175 cm is the increase in the published ski maximum with L.
- Thule Force 3 M
- Not suitable
- Thule Force 3 L
- Better fit
A shorter shell would suit both car and storage
Outside, M is 7.8 inches shorter, and it weighs six pounds less.
- Thule Force 3 M
- Better fit
- Thule Force 3 L
- Good
You need L ski length but with less empty weight
At 35.3 pounds, Pulse 2 L keeps the 175 cm limit and 16 cubic feet. Confirm its fit separately.
- Thule Force 3 M
- Caution
- Thule Force 3 L
- Caution
In practice
Differences you will notice
Interior height is lower in the longer box
L grows 7.8 inches outside, though it loses 0.7 inches of published internal height.
How we worked this out
Outside: 76.8 - 69 = 7.8 inches. 15.1 - 14.4 = 0.7 inches.
Ski length draws a clear line
With the L, the ski limit goes from 155 to 175 cm.
How we worked this out
175 minus 155 is 20 cm.
Every size step comes out of the load budget
For two additional cubic feet, L weighs six pounds more.
How we worked this out
Weight: 43 - 37 = 6 pounds. 16 - 14 = 2 cubic feet.
Option A
Thule, Force 3 M
Thule Force 3 M
It holds 14 cubic feet, and the longest gear it accepts is 155 centimeters.
- Best for
- suit a shorter roof and stay clear of the rear hatch
Facts we checked
- Capacity is 14 cubic feet.
- Gear up to 155 centimeters long fits.
- Dualside access is how it opens.
- Its published exterior size is 69 x 32 x 17.4 inches.
Option B
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.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Thule Force 3 M | Thule Force 3 L | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo volume | 14 cu ft | 16 cu ft | Once each bag's dimensions are checked, compare the space they need. |
| Maximum ski length | 155 cm | 175 cm | Any ski longer than this documented limit calls for a different carrier. |
| Exterior length | 69 in | 76.8 in | Look at where the shell sits on the roof, how the hatch moves and where it is stored. |
| Empty box weight | 37 lb | 43 lb | Before you allocate cargo, take the shell and rack off the vehicle roof limit. |
| Internal height | 15.1 in | 14.4 in | Your tallest suitcase or boots have to fit under the curved lid with no need to force it closed. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Thule Force 3 M
- With its tall 17.4-inch profile, it adds more garage height than low-profile boxes do.
With Thule Force 3 L
- At 16.8 inches above the crossbar, it is not built for low garages.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
You need L ski length and want to hold shell weight down
Neither model fits. At 35.3 pounds, Pulse 2 L still has the 175 cm rating and 16 cubic feet.
Decision guide
How to decide
Interior height is lower in the longer box
So an upright rigid case may well fit the M better, despite the L advertising more overall volume. Measure the orientation you plan to use, and think about laying the bag flat, before deciding that the larger shell solves the packing problem.
Ski length draws a clear line
A 170 cm ski bag falls outside the manufacturer guidance for the M. The L is a candidate, depending on the shape of the bag and bindings. With skis beyond 175 cm, step up to a longer box and do not assume the L name covers all adult equipment.
Every size step comes out of the load budget
When the roof allowance is low, work out on paper how much weight budget remains before you buy. The L pays off mostly for bulky soft luggage that needs volume, and dense loads may leave its extra interior unused.
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 checkedThe gap in numbers
Thule Force 3 L lists 16 cu ft for listed cargo volume, 14% more than the 14 cu ft on Thule Force 3 M.
- Thule Force 3 M
- 14 cu ft
- Thule Force 3 L
- 16 cu ft
- Models with this figure
- 20 of 26
Show 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.
How we calculatedFigures are the published exterior-category volume. Shape, mounting hardware and long gear can leave less room to pack. For context, 20 of 26 models publish comparable figures.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thule Force 3 M |
|
| |
| Thule Force 3 L |
|
|
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 M
Compact, tall bags are what you pack
See price & reviews on AmazonThule Force 3 L
Skis of yours run from 156 to 175 cm
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
We may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money