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Did some calculations...the 1.5L IDI VW engine seems a pretty good fit, if you ask me, for pushing the Leaf. Why?
The leaf needs ~15kw to maintain 60 mph on level ground. So if the pusher put out ~15kw, the electric motor would only have to supply power for acceleration and hill climbing, and the reverse of both - going down hill and braking - would put said energy back in to the battery pack. Of course, its not 100% efficient, so you want a bit more than 15kw.
The IDI 1.5L VW Diesel is most efficient at 2500rpm, where torque is at it's max(normal behavior for ICE engines). At said RPM and max torque, it's generating 20kw of power. Less any inefficiencies getting it to the road and less any loss for lack of air density at your altitude. Plus extra drag (or maybe less aero drag, if you do it right) for the trailer, unfortunately.
So, unless your altitude loss and inefficiencies add up to more than 5kw, you can theoretically drive indefinitely at 60mph @ 2500 rpm (where the engine is most efficient). If you need more power, well, then you need to bump up your RPMs at the cost of lower fuel efficiency.
A small turbo might make up for the altitude loss, if it's worth the effort, and can actually boost your fuel mileage...
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