Also had a 2003 explorer with a class 2 hitch.
I also had a similar vintage 2003 explorer with a class 2 hitch which I upgraded to a class 3 hitch, which I had for about 6 years and drove mainly in Canada in colder climates with my former 2720sl. I did not add a transmission cooler and had no problems towing in steep mountains. However, handling is not ideal and I was basically limited to a maximum speed of about 60 mph, especially around curves. Above this speed it did not handle well. Once I upgraded to an SUV with a 5000 lb tow capacity and built in class 3 hitch I had no problem passing and going around curves at 65 to 70 mph. In that way I would say it is not a desireable vehicle although I was able to get by with it.
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