Recently my wife has gotten involved in hot air ballooning.  Purchasing our
own balloon is a distinct possibility in the near future.  The balloon,
basket, burner, fuel tanks, and inflator fan will total up to about
850-1000lb.  I estimate that I can build or buy an aluminum trailer weighing
around 250-350lb.

My question for the list is, can I  tow this amount of weight with our 1990
Westie with an automatic transmission?  Initially it would be in the
immediate area, i.e. short hauls to the launch site then back from the
landing site.  Retrieval from the landing site might involve driving on a
dirt road or into a dry field.  Eventually we would like to tow to balloon
festivals in the Pacific Northwest.  This would entail driving grades up to
7% or taking the long way around.  I am considering the TIICO engine swap
giving me some needed horse power but I'm concerned that I will exceed the
load capacity of the transmission.  I was also thinking about installing a
transmission fluid cooler to offset the higher loading but this doesn't
address items such as gearing and brake straps are not up to the extra
torque.   Can somebody give me some feedback on this?  Are there
alternatives such as replacing the automatic with a standard tranny?  Has
anybody put their fully loaded Westie on a scale?   I have not and I'm
curious if there is any spare capacity on the GVW.  Any input will be
appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Tom Moritz

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