Thanks to Ford Engineers, we're on our 3rd Ford Explorer and they tow great. The latest is a new 05 Limited with the new V8. Boy does this vehicle have power and zip.
Here's a suggestion, Blue OX Advanta II, Blue OX Tow Plate/Pins, Blue OX separate light package with bulbs in tail light fixture and BrakeBuddy with Break-away. This system has been working great for us and it's quick and simple to connect and disconnect.
Ford requires that you have the "selectable 4 wheel drive" vehicle, NOT ALL WHEEL DRIVE. The Neutral Tow Kit is nothing more the a small indicator light mounted under the dash and a slight computer adjustment, if any.
Now that we've had this system on 3 different vehicles, I found that the indicator light can be transfered just as easy. The wiring harness is already there and ready to plug into.
If you pay attention to and maitain your tow vehicle regularilly, such as tire pressure and alignment, there are no ill effects of towing your Explorer.
Tomcat F15