Help deciding. New travle trailer.

You can't get any real good answers without knowing exactly what the towing capacity of your jeep. A quick search showed me that V8 gas engine Grand Cherokee is only rated to tow 6,200 lbs. If that is correct for your jeep, than I think your looking at trailers that are too heavy. You have to consider that you are a family of 4 with a dog. That means you have more weight in the jeep which reduces your tow capacity. And, for a longer trip, that means it's harder to pack light.

In your situation, I think you really need to consider a pop-up tent camper or a lighter hybrid. It's strictly my opinion, but IF your vehicle is rated for 6,200 lbs. towing capacity, I would want my loaded trailer to weigh no more than 5,500 lbs. and closer to 5K. You will be more likely to have fewer problems with excessive straining of the vehicle and overheating.

Or, you need to get a different tow vehicle that has a tow rating in the 8K range or higher.

My experience is that though my truck is rated to tow 10K, I only tow around 6.5K (trailer loaded) and I wouldn't want to to much more than that in the Rockies (we were there in 2015).

Again...just my opinions and yes, I tend to be on the conservative side when it comes to safety issues. Also, I tend to keep my vehicles for at least 7 to 8 years and I keep my RV's for about the same time or longer.

no bike, they weigh less than a spare tire.

Thank you! We are looking at good sway control. I believe it's 7200lbs. Will know more when it comes next week. At least we are now down to two! And clearly no bikes will be with us this trip.

Very interesting situation. If your GC is the current body style, it should be tow rated for, I believe, either 7200 or 7400 lbs. The hitch is a class IV, and check a Jeep dealer on this but I think that should be good for up to 1000 lbs hitch weight. Payload (carrying capacity) of the Jeep is an issue, though. The 5.7L V8 is a pulling machine, from all accounts. The Jayco and Winnie both run about 5000 lbs dry, and the Jayco is lighter on the hitch (525 vs 630) than the Winnie. They both are rather long, about 27'-29' overall. I say you will be ok with the Jayco, and possibly the Winnie too, IF you get a good weight-distributing hitch with built-in sway control. Something like the Equal-i-zer with 4 point friction sway control, or the Reese Dual Cam, at the least. A Hensley Arrow or ProPride would be better. Such a unit will add nearly 100 lbs more to the weight on the ball, though. And you should look to see where the TT's water tanks are located; a fresh tank 'way up front, if filled, is likely to add too much hitch weight. Thus I'd favor the Jayco for this reason.

The GC doesn't have a long wheelbase. That makes the sway control super-important, to keep the tail from wagging the dog. Plan to drive within the 100 kph speed limit and leave plenty of space ahead for braking distance in case of an emergency.

Ha! This is not my first time doing this trip. Just the first time is a little more comfort than a pop up. The pop up requires a few hotel stays for sure!

Grand Cherokee.
Family of four plus a dog.
9 Weeks.
Over the Rockies.
Need large enough for family and work area.
I'm thinking Tom Bodett will leave the lights on for you at Motel 6.