Thule Motion 3 L Roof Box Review: Premium Storage for Your Caravan Adventures
- Caravan Coach
- Oct 31
- 5 min read
Product Category: Roof Boxes & Cargo Carriers
Brand: Thule
Prices Usually Range From: £625 - £700
Best For: Caravanners needing extra secure storage for family holidays, touring gear, and bulky equipment
Where to Buy: Available at Halfords, Amazon UK, or specialist caravan accessory retailers
Thule Motion 3 L Roof Box - Introduction
When you're towing a caravan, every bit of storage space in your car matters. The Thule Motion 3 L roof box has become one of the most popular solutions for caravanners who need that extra capacity without compromising their tow car's performance. With 450 litres of space, this sleek roof box promises to carry everything from awning poles to bedding without creating excessive wind noise or killing your fuel economy.
The Motion 3 represents Thule's latest design update to their bestselling Motion range. The Swedish manufacturer has refined the aerodynamics, improved the mounting system, and added practical touches that matter on long journeys. After extensive testing and research into real-world user experiences, this review examines whether the Motion 3 L justifies its premium price tag.
Key Features
The Motion 3 L measures approximately 190cm long and provides 450 litres of storage capacity with a maximum load of 75kg. The box opens from both sides, which is particularly useful when you're squeezed into a tight pitch or service area.
Thule's PowerClick mounting system is the standout feature. The integrated torque indicator clicks when you've achieved the correct tightness, preventing over-tightening damage to your roof bars. You simply turn the dial until it clicks freely, giving you confidence the box is properly secured.
The SlideLock system separates the locking and opening functions. A red indicator shows whether the box is properly closed, and you can't remove the key unless it's fully locked. This visual confirmation is reassuring before you set off on a long journey.
The aerodynamic profile features a forward-tilted nose and wing-shaped design. This isn't just for looks - the shape actively reduces drag and wind noise compared to boxier alternatives. Internal tie-down straps keep your gear secure and prevent items shifting around, which can create annoying rattles on motorways.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
PowerClick mounting system eliminates guesswork and prevents over-tightening
Remarkably quiet at motorway speeds with minimal wind noise
Dual-side opening provides flexible access in tight spaces
Sturdy lid design that doesn't flex when loading
Secure SlideLock with visual indicators
Improved aerodynamics reduce fuel consumption impact
Deep gloss finish looks smart on most tow cars
Easy to remove when not needed
Cons:
Premium pricing - significantly more expensive than budget alternatives
Glossy finish shows scratches and scuffs relatively easily
Can't access height-restricted car parks with box fitted
Performance
The Motion 3 L performs exceptionally well on the road. Wind noise is barely noticeable at 70mph, which is impressive for a box this size. The aerodynamic improvements over the previous Motion XT are immediately apparent - you can easily forget it's up there during long motorway drives.
Fuel economy impact is minimal. Testing shows drops of around 0.5mpg on longer journeys, though this will vary depending on your tow car and driving style. For caravanners already managing the fuel consumption of towing, this negligible increase won't significantly affect your touring costs.
The 450-litre capacity swallows an impressive amount of gear. You can fit awning poles, folding chairs, bedding, coats, and all the bulky items that would otherwise cram your boot. The internal height accommodates items like inflated beach balls or helmets without difficulty.
Loading is straightforward thanks to the wide opening and sturdy lid that stays up without support. The internal straps work well for securing soft bags and preventing items from sliding around. One useful tip - pack heavier items towards the centre and lighter gear at the ends to maintain balance.
The glossy black finish looks smart when new but does require care. The material shows scratches more readily than matte finishes, so you'll want to use caution when loading sharp-edged items or cleaning. A protective box liner (sold separately) helps prevent interior scuffs.
Specifications
Capacity: 450 litres
Maximum Load: 75kg
Weight: 19.8kg (empty)
Dimensions (L x W x H): Approximately 194 x 87 x 42cm (external)
Internal Dimensions: 182 x 72 x 35cm
Opening: Dual-side (both left and right)
Mounting System: PowerClick quick-mount with torque indicator
Lock: SlideLock with visual security indicator
Material: ABS plastic with UV protection
Finish: Gloss Black or Titan Glossy
Compatibility: Fits most Thule roof bars and many other brands
Front Clearance Required: >1304mm (to avoid hatch contact)
Maximum Ski Length: 195cm
Maximum Speed: 130 km/h
Warranty: Thule Lifetime Warranty
Colours Available: Glossy Black, Glossy Titan
Model Size Comparison
If you're considering different sizes, here's how the Motion 3 L compares across the entire range:
Choosing the Right Size:
The L model offers an excellent balance for most caravanners - enough capacity for touring gear without being excessively large
Low profile versions sacrifice some height (around 7-8cm) but fit better in height-restricted car parks
Remember: all models have the same 75kg maximum load capacity regardless of volume
Consider your vehicle's roof clearance and whether you need rear hatch access
Why It's Recommended
The Thule Motion 3 L earns its recommendation through consistent real-world performance. The engineering quality shows in details like the click-feedback mounting system and the smooth, confident lid operation. For caravanners, the combination of adequate capacity, minimal noise, and dual-side access addresses the practical challenges of touring life.
Thule's reputation for durability means this box should serve you reliably for many years of family holidays and weekend tours.
While budget alternatives exist, they often compromise on the features that matter most - secure mounting, weather sealing, and quiet operation. The Motion 3 L delivers on all these fronts. The aerodynamic design genuinely works, keeping wind noise low and fuel consumption impact minimal.
For caravanners who value quality and reliability, the Motion 3 L makes a sensible investment. It's particularly suited to regular tourers who'll use it frequently throughout the season, making the premium price more palatable when spread across years of use.
Rating
Overall Score: 4.5/5
Score Breakdown
Design: 5/5
Durability: 4.5/5
Ease of Use: 5/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Disclaimer
This review reflects our genuine opinions and experiences. Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, including Amazon Associate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may receive a small commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Product details, availability, and prices were accurate at the time of writing but may change without notice. Please check with the retailer for the latest information before making a purchase. Caravan Coach cannot be held responsible for differences between this review and the actual product or service you receive.
