[wilkin250r]

I was thinking about this thread just the other day, I was towing a small car on a trailer with my Ford. Slightly smaller engine (4.9) and manual transmission, and 3.73 gears. I couldn't quite tackle the hills in 3rd, but I could easily do it in 2nd. However, I had an advantage because I have a true 5-speed manual, not a 3-speed with a granny gear. Your second gear ratio is very close to my 1st gear.

Unfortunately, it didn't lead me to any revelations on how to solve your problem. I just reaffirmed that there really isn't an easy solution, but several possible solutions that have already been mentioned.