I tow with a C-182 for CAP and for a private party. Out of Minden, where density altitude can get to 8,000 or more. In fact just yesterday I towed that private party into wave. Twice.

I find the C-182 in these conditions to have less power than I would really like. I far prefer the Pawnee, with the biggest engine you can find.

The Bird dog is a nice looking plane, and it does have two seats, but the tail likes to be ahead of the nose.