RE: ram 1500
The whole scenario doesn't make sense to me. No way I would buy a truck using your stated needs, especially for just an occasional tow of someone else's truck to the beach. Using a duel tire drive, diesel, standard shift truck for off roading/mud boggin just doesn't make sense to me. Buy a nice smaller truck or jeep type vehicle that doesn't drink gas, drive it to the beach (and all other normal uses) and have a good time..