I have a 2018 Exp Limited Max w approx 122k miles. Today I had to drive it about 30 miles with my utility trailer. It's a 12x8 trailer but it was almost empty. On the way home I noticed the transmission staying in 7th gear longer than normal. I was going speeds of about 65-70 and when this was happening it almost sounded like the exhaustt was loud, or thinking back maybe it was the rear diff I don't know but the sound was coming from the rear. If I pushed the gas and sped up to about 75 tranny would switch into 8th gear and then 9 10 and would drive real smooth and no noise from the rear. The last time this sticking in 7th happened the temp gauge on the far right jumped all the way up high enough that it showed a #. I can't remember the exact # but I want to say 280ish. The gauge was about as high as it would go but not in the lines/the red. Luckliy I was at my exit, got off the highway and the temp gauge dropped back down to normal right away. Well I arrived home I can see some fluid had sprayed all over my running boards. I crawl underneath and there was a light red fluid on everything, cross members, tran drain pan, running boards, rear diff, it even sprayed back to my trailer. I tried and couldn't locate where it was coming from. I opened up the hood and it was lightly smoking. Funny thing is it drove smooth all the way home with no issues. I'm at a loss. Hoping my tranny doesn't need a rebuild. It really sucks too because we have a 4 hr road trip in one week and now have to take a 2007 honda civic. Should I have it towed to a mechanic or a transmission shop?