Frustrated with online car shopping!

coolmom42 wrote:
I am looking for a Ford Explorer with the class III hitch. This hitch is part of the Platinum package, but not a lot of those available, and they are pricey.

I know the class III hitch is an option on the Limited version of the Explorer, and have found 3 ads that specify it. But most ads just say "tow package" or "tow hitch." That's not helpful at all, since there is also a class II hitch, along with a tow rating of 2000 lb.

Is there any way to tell from the VIN exactly what hitch/tow package is on a vehicle?

I feel your pain, as I ran into the same problem when searching used Explorer Sports. Many of them advertised the tow package but when I went to look at them, they didn't actually have it. The ones that did weren't in the best shape, even for only being a few years old. I ended up buying a new Sport, with the tow package, so you don't need to buy a Platinum to get it, I believe it's standard on all Sports now. Still pricey though :)

ETA: Just saw you don't like how the Sports look (I do!). My neighbor ended up ordering a new XLT direct from Ford to get all the "pieces" she wanted, including the tow package since it was too hard to find one at the dealerships. No Eco-Boost though.