I had a '96 Explorer 5.0L V8 and towed a 24ft 4500# TT for a few months. The tail wagged the dog! Being passed on the interstate meant a white-knuckled ride. The power was fine with the V8 but too short of a wheelbase made for miserable trips. After a close call, I traded for a F150 4.6L V8 and never looked back. MAYBE if I had bought a Hensley hitch I would have been OK, but I still felt better with the 150. Now I tow a 30ft 7100# TT with a F25 V10. Personally, I wouldn't try to tow 5500#+ with the V8 Explorer and certainly not the V6.

Jim