Hello. No experience with a Jeep Patriot but I would say just based off of the 2.0 liter 4cyl engine and with possibly three people, gear and 2 dogs you could be close to your tow limit. This is just a guess because i dont know what the tow limit is for your vehicle. I think if its just the two of you then the QS6 would be fine but if your taking your child and 2 dogs also then the QS8 is has more room for comfort and you wont be as cramped. Both are fine campers but you just have to ask yourself whats more important, better gas milage(QS6) or comfort/roominess(QS8.1). These are just my opinion based of off what you've said and your vehicle specs, if anyone with more experience wants to chime in please do.
The Patriot is rated to tow 2,000 lbs. The QS 8 has a GVWR of 1,500 lbs, so you are well within the rating limits. But I would consider adding surge brakes.
David
What you can do vs what you might want to do will be different. For example I've towed my 10.0 with my 2.5L 4cyl Wrangler, however its beyond pushing the limits of that vehicle. I'm sure it would cause excessive wear over time and it certainly presents a problem if stopping quickly. Yet it proves that it can be done...but I dont recommend it.
I started looking at the 6.0 due to the limits of the Jeep, and even considered the 8.0 or 8.1. For my personal preference I felt the Wrangler would have been able to handle both (the 8.* would have meant more caution with what we packed). The Patriot is a decent little Jeep and like david said, its within your rated limits, so unless you feel uncomfortable towing 1500ish pounds I'd say the 8.* would work well.
I've very rarely been in my 10.0 and thought to myself...i wish we had less room ;)
-Sean
[quote source="/post/9521/thread" timestamp="1429289445" author="@admin"]I've very rarely been in my 10.0 and thought to myself...i wish we had less room ;)
-Sean[/quote][font size="3"]Ya think? I'm thinking of walling off the back half of my 21RBS to save on heating/cooling. So much room 8-)
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Welcome from North GA.
Take a look at the Subaru Outback. It's a great road car and has a 2700# towing capacity. We love ours!