Since the Tribute is the same car ad the Ford Escape of that vintage, I bet it has the rotten 6F35 tranny in it. That is what is in my '10 Mariner. I have had good luck so far towing my Mariner, as have lots of people with 6F35 based suv's. But every time out is white knuckle time, wondering if my rear view camera is going to show a big plume of smoke.
I suggest you avoid towing it, even if you can. There are lots of reliable options.