Accessories can go a long way with any vehicle. Accessories with a built vehicle would be ideal. I've seen a slightly modified Jeep Cherokee do some pretty amazing evasive action when a road got shut down from too much snow. Lockers help a ton! Tire size too. That same jeep drove threw the snow packed medium to get to the other side of the interstate. Others tried to follow but got stuck. Winch helps, Tow points, Snow chains, 25' grade 8 chain, tow straps, etc. Just depends on conditions. Mud, snow, ice and rain require different accessories, tires, etc. I like to pack for it all! Studded tires helps for winter driving. A lot!
Of my years of traveling the country in all types of conditions, I think 90% is driver error and the other 10% is lack of accessories, gear and or preparedness.
I keep a lot of gear in my rigs but very rarely use it because I know when not to be hauling butt down the road during certain conditions. Really the only time I use my snow chains is when I'm forced by law to. Speed and following distance is a huge factor. I tell my mind that if I'm late... I'm late... My safety and being safe for others is more important then where I need to go.
I've seen dead bodies on the road... Young kids, women, men, animals and families. It's not worth it...
Oh yea, a CB radio with weather band helps a lot! Saves my life all the time! Pack food and lots of water. I carry 6 gallons of water at all times. 1 month worth of food and a back pack, sleeping bag, tarps, first aid kit etc if I need to quickly get out if SHTF.
Clothing is good to have. You don't need a lot of clothing if you plan on doing a lot of moving around. Most important clothing is a good hat, face mask, uv protecting goggles, 600 gram-1000 gram breathable boots. Wool socks with nylon liners, good snow gloves and leather gloves.
As far as the Recovery Rig goes, for winter I would get yourself a heavy vehicle for traction. A truck with studded snow tires, winch, good lighting, lockers, etc. Pending the budget.
