The tranny problems that are often posted on this site should give you some indication of what can happen. Having said that, I tow a 3,000 pound trailer with my 97 850 GLT occasionally. (I usually tow with my GMC.) I am very careful about keeping the tranny fluid checked and changed regularly and keep the transmission in 3rd gear to avoid constant shifting by the auto trans.

Fact is I baby it, even while I am torturing the car. Longest run was a 6 hour drive (on flat land) more typically it is about an hour run in the greater metro area of Chicago.

I told you all of that so you cn evaluate my answer to your question: Yes, tow a 1,100 pound trailer and don't worry as long as you check and religiously maintain the tranny fluid and watch any signs of overheating. Make sure the tranny is OK now, before you start. Maybe that was why the first tech was waving you off!?

As for the front wheel drive issue, I can pull my boat out of the water on a wet incline with my Brick. it can be done, you just do it differently.