I towed a big naigara popup which was 3500 lb for a few years. the explorer also had 3 adults, 2 kids, camping stuff filled in. I carried bikes on the roof. Then I moved to a flagstaff 228D for the ac and potta potty with little kids . it was around 2400 lb and the explorer did not even feel it.
Mine was a non tow package edition. so I did not have the OD lock out and transmission cooler. I would put it on manual with 5 and drive.
Never saw the transmission temp move even on 100 plus degree days with ac cranking.
I still have it at 135k and use it to tow some motorcycle and stuff around.