1996 Ford Explorer Owner's Manual - Page 291

Driving Your Explorer RWARNING Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified amperage rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage rating can cause severe wire damage and could start a fire. Driving while you tow Be especially careful when driving while you tow a trailer. Never drive faster than 45 mph (70 km/h) when you tow in hilly country on hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can brake gradually. If you use the speed control while you are towing on very long, steep grades, the speed control may shut off. When towing a trailer in hilly terrain, with a vehicle equipped with a 4R44E/4R55E/4R70W transmission, you may wish to operate in O/D OFF (3rd gear) rather than j (Overdrive). This will eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting to maintain speed. Shift back to j (Overdrive) whenever practical for optimum powertrain cooling and fuel economy. This can be accomplished by pushing in the transmission control switch which is located on the end of the gearshift lever. When descending a steep grade with a trailer, operate in Drive rather than Overdrive. If additional braking is needed, shift the automatic transmission gearshift into 2 (Second) gear or 1 (Low). 291