Ford Repair: Windstar transmission (with tow package), transmission number, front wheel drive

Question
I have a 98 windstar 3.8L with a tow package. The manual says I can tow up to 3000 Lbs. yet my small 16' ski boat is only about 1500 lbs. and every two years my transmission goes out. My 3rd one started giving me trouble (slipping especially under acceleration while turning) last summer. I installed an after market transmission fluid cooler after they replaced the last one but while I was towing on a hot day the transmission started dumping fluid just like the one before it. I let it cool down and refilled the fluid but have had the slipping ever since. As it is out of warrenty again I asked the dealership about it and they said " ya, that transmission sucks, you shouldn't tow with it." Now the van has 154K miles and I am wondering if I should take it out back and put it down or pop for the cost of transmission number four. What recourse do I have when I pay for a tow package that doesn't tow?

Thank you very much for you time and knowledge.
Drew  

Answer
Hello and thanks for the question...I'll try to help.
There isn't much recourse for this situation. Several things can effect the transmission of the vehicle as far as towing goes. Inclines, hard throttle acceleration, and a variety of other things. The dealership is right....the transmission in the Windstar isn't good for towing, it's front wheel drive. No matter what you do, you'll burn them up. I would seriously suggest that you get a truck or a REAL van for towing you jet ski.
Hope this helps,
Erik