ProView – Thule Force 3 Review

When Packing Light Isn’t a Priority

Cushy car camping demands gear—and lots of it. The Thule Force 3 Large Roof Mounted Cargo Box transformed my 2014 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid into a gear-hauling champion during a month of testing in Northern California’s unpredictable spring weather.

Coastal Getaway

The Thule Force 3 stood up to and exceeded my expectations of the renowned Thule brand roof boxes during the last month of adventures. As a daily commuter, securing all my yoga gear out of sight, to weekend trips exploring the wonder and beauty of Northern California’s lush early spring landscape, I tested the box in various conditions– weather shifting between wind, rain and sun.

I’ll be the first to admit I tend to overpack for car camping trips. My philosophy is simple: why sacrifice comfort when you have the space? This is precisely where the Thule Force 3 proved invaluable.

Over a few weekend trips, I loaded it with an assortment of camping gear, yoga mats, blankets, and various musical instruments. Being able to securely store these valuables out of sight rather than filling my Tucson’s hatchback gave me rear view visibility and peace of mind while exploring and day hiking along the coastline. 

Fit & Installation

The Force 3 size Large mounted perfectly on my Tucson’s roof rack without overhang issues. Thule’s website includes sizing details specifying that if your front clearance, the distance from your vehicle’s front roof rack crossbar to the point where the roof meets the hatch, is greater than 50 ⅝”, then the cargo box will fit your vehicle without contacting your rear hatch.

Thule’s PowerClick mounting system transformed what could have been a frustrating installation process into a surprisingly simple 15-minute task requiring no tools. The audible “click” confirmation provides peace of mind that the box is securely attached—a thoughtful design element that eliminates guesswork.

Design & Construction

The AeroSkin exterior is a legitimately durable finish that withstood a month of rain without showing wear. The slightly textured finish also hides minor dirt and water spots better than glossier competitors.

At 16 cubic feet, the box secured my valuables with room to spare, yet maintained a sleek profile that didn’t make my Tucson look top-heavy. The aerodynamic design complimented the contours of my car and kept wind noise minimal, and I didn’t notice the whistling noise reviewers of past models reported at high speeds.

Accessibility & Security

The DualSide opening feature was nice to have at crowded campsites and in my duplex driveway. Being able to access gear from either side meant I could park and still reach everything without awkward maneuvering or repositioning the vehicle.

The SlideLock system deserves special mention. It eliminates a common pain point with roof boxes—uncertainty about secure closure. The system automatically locks the lid when closed and provides clear visual and auditory confirmation that everything is secure, clicking loudly when closed. I found that spraying the lock cylinders with lubricant made it easier to turn the key, which was a bit sticky at first.

When mounted, the box’s forward position allowed full access to my Tucson’s rear hatch without any interference—a crucial consideration for car camping, where frequent access to the vehicle is necessary.

Weather Resistance

Despite experiencing multiple heavy downpours during testing, not a single drop of moisture penetrated the Force 3. Additionally, the textured exterior finish and box contour that worked as a built-in handle made the box easy to grip for opening and closing. It does require slight force to open, but I think the resistance I experience when opening is suction from the secure design- a product of the waterproof nature of the box.

Who Is This Product For?

The Force 3 Large is ideal for family campers, road trippers, van-lifers and outdoor enthusiasts who need substantial extra capacity without upgrading to a larger vehicle. It’s particularly well-suited for:

• Weekend warriors needing to transport camping gear and valuables
• Small to mid-sized SUV owners wanting to maximize cargo capacity and maintain rear view visibility
• All-season adventurers requiring reliable weather protection
• Anyone who values security and ease of use over budget constraints

Friendliness to the Earth

Thule’s approach to sustainability is summarized in their philosophy: “Products that last longer are better for the environment. That’s why smart, high-quality technical solutions with a sophisticated product design are the foundation for our sustainability efforts.” The company adheres to the United Nations Agenda 2030 for sustainable development and follows principles of the UN Global Compact, ILO, and OECD guidelines; Thule is a bluesign® system partner, meaning strict criteria is met regarding energy efficiency, work safety, environmental and consumer protection, and exclusion of harmful substances from production.

The Force 3 exemplifies this approach through its durable overall construction, which is designed to withstand years of use in varied conditions. All Thule products, including the Force 3, undergo extensive testing at the Thule Test Center in Sweden, where they’re subjected to vibration, crash, fatigue, and environmental tests– ensuring each product will last for many years, reducing the need for replacement. While Thule continues to make progress in sustainable manufacturing, there remains opportunity for them to implement a more comprehensive end-of-life recycling program for their products.

The Final Word

What I love: The intuitive SlideLock system eliminates security concerns, while the dual-side access and tool-free mounting make this box remarkably user-friendly. Its weatherproof construction genuinely delivers on the promise of all-season protection.

Areas for improvement: The premium price point puts it beyond casual users’ reach. Thule could also strengthen their sustainability commitment by incorporating more recycled materials into the actual product, as it’s unclear how much of their materials are recycled.

After a month of coastal use, the Force 3 Large has earned permanent residence on my roof rack. For those serious about outdoor adventure who refuse to compromise on quality or convenience, it’s a long term investment in a premium product that pays dividends in hassle-free travels and expanded possibilities. 

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