Towing boat with 2.7L, close to the limit?

I have a base 2.7L, with aftermarket hitch only, and may consider towing a 19-20 ft boat, which would be very close to the 3500-lbs limit, rolling.

How close (or slightly over) can I go, low speed, flat, short distances (5 miles)?

Another side consideration is, will the 2.7 have enough grunt to pull out of the boat ramps? I believe it will, but have no experience here.

 

Low and slow, you can pull a train with a lawnmower.

 

you will be fine with the 2.7, especially for a short distance. the only time a 2.7 would be inadvisable would be if you had a really steep climb. I've towed ~ 3000 lbs for about 500 miles and it did fine, just didn't have any passing power

 

And 4low will have enough torque for the ramp.

 

Over the years I've towed a lot of big trailers with all sorts of vehicles and I can say that you can just about get a minivan to pull a 53' if the conditions are right and it only has to go a few feet. Just be easy on her and you will be more than fine!

 

The only time I would be concerned is if you are launching on dirt ramps and you don't have 4x4 (I see you have a base Taco, but no mention of drivetrain). I have been really, REALLY happy that I had 4wd pulling my boat out of a dirt ramp before. On a concrete ramp you should be fine pulling that boat out no problem (and most dirt ramps).