The short and practical answer: Yes--but don't push it. To keep your vehicle warranty in effect, you should have the "tow prep" package which gives you an engine cooler, then up to 2,000 lbs towing capacity. My '08 had the tow package and I regularly towed over 3500 lbs on the flat, but then I didn't do a rapid acceleration and braking either. Just take it easy, plan ahead, and drive ahead of your vehicle's capability.

 

What is all included in tow prep package? When I called dealership they said I already had the engine oil cooler on my model. I did not have them install hitch tho I had it installed at uhaul. Do you recall what your tongue weight was?

 

Well then, if the engine oil cooler is installed, I guess you're good to go. In '08, the tow package included the cooler, a full sized spare (so did any 4x4 option...), and a trailer wiring harness.

I believe my tongue weight to have been in the 259 to 300 lb. range. On my '16, I've yet to tow a trailer, but have a plug-in (to the class III hitch receiver a motorcycle carrier which the carrier weighs at least 70 lbs and the Vespa-like 150cc scooter weighs in around 275 lbs, I do use a secondary support--a strap from the roof rack to the edge of the carrier, as recommended by the carrier manufacturer. There is no problem with this weight on the back of the Patriot--I was considering a larger carrier to carry TWO scooters, but haven't found one that I liked, and haven't really had the need. The carrier is just to have to take the scooters to the shop as needed, altho it may be fun to take them on vacation...

Good luck with your trailer camping. I've been looking at a "tear-drop" trailer--there's an outfit in OR that creates kits in the 6, 8, and 10 ft lengths. Kits are reasonably inexpensive, can be assembled with a minimum of hand/power tools, and are less than 1,000 lbs empty. I was reminded that heavy camping items should go in the back of the Patriot, and fill the camper with bulky, light weight items.

 

We have a Forest River Flagstaff 206LTD (Rockwood, for US folks, same stuff). It's around 1400lbs, and our 2007 Patriot with oil cooler and class 2 hitch can haul it nicely. Heat of summer (100f or so ambient) and towing fully loaded up some serious hills (over the Rockies, and over the Cascades) our engine temps never went over halfway.

Granted, I couldn't do more than 80kph up some of the BIG hills, without going over 5k rpm but that's fine.

Tongue weight I THINK is a bit over what the Pat is rated for, but the hitch itself is rated for more. But we've had no issues, no concerning sagging on the rear suspension at all. 1700lbs dry is pushing it close but I bet it'll be fine (outside of any warranty negating).