Maybe some people here are a bit extreme, I think... one does not need a Kenworth to tow a 28ft trailer! It depends on a few things. A 28ft trailer is not that big, a modern half-ton could tow that. How heavy is that trailer, will you be loading it with Clydesdales?
Also, if you plan on towing in interior BC, in the mountains, that will not work well anyway... But then again, if you are going to a campground 200km away for the week-end in southern Ontario or the prairie, it is much easier...
A 235 is clearly too small, lacking the power and torque; a 283 V8 is better and could very well be enough (remember all the trucks from the eighties running 305ci engines?...); but then, why stop at a 283? Go for a 350/383, plenty of pulling power that you can dress up as a period engine too!
Better yet, if you are willing to go small block, then get a modern LS engine, the ones found in modern trucks: even a 5.3 litre (about 327ci) will get you 300 reliable HP...
Then, you need a 4 speed trans with a cooler, and the proper rear end ratio.
Of course, you will need better brakes, at this point a front clip with power steering and power disc brakes seems like a good idea; while you are at it, get a modern rear end that will give you better drum brakes, or maybe even swap discs at the rear too?
This should make a perfectly good tow truck that can live in modern traffic safely and reliably, looking good doing it!
And if you notice you need more stability at the rear, why not widen the rear fenders and get a dually axle?
Indeed, this is not very stock anymore, but this could be a very cool stock-looking truck!
