The catch
Thule Force 3 XL
This version comes in black matte. If you want a glossy shell, go with Motion instead.
Side by side
Thule Force 3 XL vs XXL: Skis above 200 cm fit XXL, while XL has a shorter, lighter shell
Quick verdict
XXL is the answer for skis over 200 cm, or for bulky family packing that needs its extra three cubic feet. XL is enough when its 200 cm limit covers your gear and a shorter, lighter shell suits the vehicle.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Long skis are a firm reason to go bigger
The stated ski limit goes up by 15 cm with the XXL.
Where this comes from
215 - 200 = 15 cm. A 205 cm ski is 5 cm over XL and 10 cm under the XXL maximum.
The catch
Thule Force 3 XXL
Hatch clearance and roof length both need careful checking with a 91.4-inch shell.
Thule Force 3 XL
- Why pick it
- Every pair of skis is 200 cm or shorter
- A lighter box to hoist onto the roof appeals
- The catch
- This version comes in black matte. If you want a glossy shell, go with Motion instead.
Thule Force 3 XXL
- Why pick it
- Your skis measure 201 to 215 cm
- You want headroom over packed luggage
- The catch
- Hatch clearance and roof length both need careful checking with a 91.4-inch shell.
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What this page compares
Before you commit to the larger roof box, check Force 3 XL against XXL for long-ski fit, shell length, empty weight and usable luggage height.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Your skis are 200 cm or shorter, and 18 cubic feet is enough
In a shorter, lighter shell, XL meets those limits. XXL stretches the ski limit to 215 cm and the volume to 21 cubic feet.
- Thule Force 3 XL
- Better fit
- Thule Force 3 XXL
- Good
Your skis run past 200 cm but not past 215 cm
XL tops out at 200 cm, while XXL has the required published maximum of 215 cm.
- Thule Force 3 XL
- Not suitable
- Thule Force 3 XXL
- Better fit
A lighter box to hoist onto the roof appeals
Before luggage goes in, XXL is eight pounds heavier.
- Thule Force 3 XL
- Better fit
- Thule Force 3 XXL
- Good
Your skis run past 200 cm but not past 215 cm, and a lower profile matters
Motion 3 XXL Low lists 13 inches of height above the bars and a ski capacity of 215 cm. Before choosing it, measure the full vehicle height.
- Thule Force 3 XL
- Caution
- Thule Force 3 XXL
- Caution
In practice
Differences you will notice
Long skis are a firm reason to go bigger
The stated ski limit goes up by 15 cm with the XXL.
How we worked this out
215 - 200 = 15 cm. A 205 cm ski is 5 cm over XL and 10 cm under the XXL maximum.
Extra volume comes with a longer shell
With XXL you get 16.7% more nominal volume and 6.6 inches more exterior length.
How we worked this out
Volume: (21 - 18) / 18 × 100 = 16.7%. Length: 91.4 - 84.8 = 6.6 inches.
Lift effort and payload shift together
Before luggage, the XXL uses up eight additional pounds of the roof-load allowance.
How we worked this out
57 - 49 = 8 pounds. When the vehicle and rack limits are identical, the cargo allowance drops by that same eight pounds.
Option A
Thule, Force 3 XL
Thule Force 3 XL
This box has 18 cubic feet of space and takes gear up to 200 centimeters long.
- Best for
- bring skis without folding down the seats, and pack for a family of four
Facts we checked
- Capacity is 18 cubic feet.
- Gear up to 200 centimeters long fits.
- Documented crossbar spread is 21.875 to 36.625 inches.
- Dualside access is how it opens.
Option B
Thule, 645950
Force 3 XXL
The biggest Force 3 offers 21 cubic feet and a 215 cm ski allowance, at the cost of a long, heavy shell.
- Best for
- Carrying long skis and bulky family luggage, provided the vehicle passes the fit guide
Facts we checked
- Advertised volume of 21 cubic feet
- Published maximum ski length of 215 cm
- Measures 91.4 by 35.2 by 17.9 inches outside
- Empty: 57 pounds
- Published internal height of 15.6 inches
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Thule Force 3 XL | Thule Force 3 XXL | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo volume | 18 cu ft | 21 cu ft | Once each bag's dimensions are checked, compare the space they need. |
| Maximum ski length | 200 cm | 215 cm | Any ski longer than this documented limit calls for a different carrier. |
| Exterior length | 84.8 in | 91.4 in | Look at where the shell sits on the roof, how the hatch moves and where it is stored. |
| Exterior width | 34.1 in | 35.2 in | It takes up crossbar room that could otherwise go to a bike carrier. |
| Empty box weight | 49 lb | 57 lb | Before you allocate cargo, take the shell and rack off the vehicle roof limit. |
| Internal height | 14.7 in | 15.6 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 XL
- Per the US fit chart, front bar to hatch must measure more than 53 1/16 inches.
With Thule Force 3 XXL
- Because the official installed-height field contradicts the overall dimensions, measure garage clearance directly.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Long skis are essential, and a lower installed profile counts for more than tall bags
Neither model fits. Skis of 215 cm fit Motion 3 XXL Low, with 13 inches of height above the bars.
Decision guide
How to decide
Long skis are a firm reason to go bigger
Take the length of the longest pair that will make the trip, rather than just the skis you use most. On published fit, a 205 cm Nordic pair rules out the XL even when the rest of the luggage is compact. Make sure bindings and ski bags still fit inside the usable interior.
Extra volume comes with a longer shell
The longer box has to clear the hatch and stay within the rack positions allowed for the vehicle. Only move the crossbars when the car and rack instructions say you can. Extra cargo space is worthless if it blocks the trunk.
Lift effort and payload shift together
With light sleeping bags, volume is probably the limit, so the larger carrier helps. With dense tools or heavy cases, a bigger shell can cut the weight you have left for contents. Weigh what you plan to carry. Filling the box until it looks full is the wrong test.
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 XL |
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| Thule Force 3 XXL |
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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 XL
Every pair of skis is 200 cm or shorter
See price & reviews on AmazonThule Force 3 XXL
Your skis measure 201 to 215 cm
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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