The catch
Thule Motion 3 L
Skis of 200 cm do not fit.
Side by side
Thule Motion 3 L vs Force 3 L: Motion fits 176–180 cm skis, and Force takes up less roof width
Quick verdict
Skis between 176 and 180 cm, or a slightly taller interior, favor Motion 3 L. Force 3 L is the one when its narrower shell fits the roof better and 175 cm skis cover your needs.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
A few centimeters of ski length can settle the purchase
Five centimeters more ski length fit on Motion.
Where this comes from
180 - 175 = 5 cm, and a 178 cm ski goes 3 cm past Force guidance.
The catch
Thule Force 3 L
Skis from 180 to 200 cm are too long for it.
Thule Motion 3 L
- Why pick it
- Your skis go a bit past 175 cm
- More interior height is needed for your rigid luggage
- The catch
- Skis of 200 cm do not fit.
Thule Force 3 L
- Why pick it
- You need a slimmer outer shell
- None of your skis exceeds 175 cm
- The catch
- Skis from 180 to 200 cm are too long for it.
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What this page compares
Motion 3 L and Force 3 L both have 16-cubic-foot volume. See how they differ in ski limits, usable height, roof width and weight.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Your skis run past 175 cm but not past 180 cm
Force stops at 175 cm, while Motion lists 180 cm.
- Thule Motion 3 L
- Better fit
- Thule Force 3 L
- Not suitable
You need a slimmer outer shell
Outside, Force is narrower by 0.9 inch. Check the combined carrier and crossbar space.
- Thule Motion 3 L
- Depends
- Thule Force 3 L
- Better fit
More interior height is needed for your rigid luggage
Force has 14.4 inches of internal height, against 15 inches listed for Motion.
- Thule Motion 3 L
- Better fit
- Thule Force 3 L
- Depends
Your skis fit 175 cm, and frequent lifting is what matters most
At 35.3 pounds, Pulse 2 L offers the same 16-cubic-foot volume and is lighter than both compared models.
- Thule Motion 3 L
- Caution
- Thule Force 3 L
- Caution
In practice
Differences you will notice
A few centimeters of ski length can settle the purchase
Five centimeters more ski length fit on Motion.
How we worked this out
180 - 175 = 5 cm, and a 178 cm ski goes 3 cm past Force guidance.
Motion offers more height, Force more floor length
Against 14.4 for Force, Motion lists 15 inches of internal height, while Force has 73.6 inches of internal length against 72.
How we worked this out
In Motion, 15 - 14.4 = 0.6 inches taller. In Force, 73.6 - 72 = 1.6 inches longer.
On weight, it is close to a tie
Force saves just 0.6 pounds, though it makes the exterior 0.9 inches narrower.
How we worked this out
Weight: 43.6 - 43 = 0.6 pounds. 34.2 - 33.3 = 0.9 inches.
Option A
Thule, Motion 3 L Titan Glossy
Thule Motion 3 L
Its 16 cubic feet can take gear up to 180 centimeters long.
- Best for
- move skis with the seats left up while keeping the rear hatch clear
Facts we checked
- Capacity is 16 cubic feet.
- Gear up to 180 centimeters long fits inside.
- Dualside access is how it opens.
- Its published exterior size is 76.5 x 34.2 x 16.5 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 Motion 3 L | Thule Force 3 L | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum ski length | 180 cm | 175 cm | Any ski longer than this documented limit calls for a different carrier. |
| Exterior length | 76.5 in | 76.8 in | Look at where the shell sits on the roof, how the hatch moves and where it is stored. |
| Exterior width | 34.2 in | 33.3 in | It takes up crossbar room that could otherwise go to a bike carrier. |
| Empty box weight | 43.6 lb | 43 lb | Before you allocate cargo, take the shell and rack off the vehicle roof limit. |
| Internal height | 15 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 Motion 3 L
- For a trip with four people, 16 cubic feet leaves less slack than the XL or XXL does.
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
Frequent lifting matters most to you, and your skis stay within 175 cm
Neither model fits. With a 35.3-pound empty weight, Pulse 2 L offers the same 16-cubic-foot volume.
Decision guide
How to decide
A few centimeters of ski length can settle the purchase
The advantage is a narrow one that applies to equipment near the boundary. It does not mean the Motion takes significantly longer Nordic skis. Measure the actual ski and bag, and leave space for how the bindings and poles sit inside.
Motion offers more height, Force more floor length
Build the choice around the least flexible item you are carrying. A tall rigid case and a long folded stroller put pressure on different parts of the box. Equal volume cannot tell you which will fit, and for skis the stated ski rating is still the safer guide.
On weight, it is close to a tie
The weight gap is unlikely to change how removal feels, while the width could count next to a bike rack. Both are approximately 43-pound shells with dual-side access and PowerClick mounting. Let the tightest vehicle or cargo dimension decide.
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 Motion 3 L |
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| Thule Force 3 L |
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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 Motion 3 L
Your skis go a bit past 175 cm
See price & reviews on AmazonThule Force 3 L
You need a slimmer outer shell
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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