Recently we had a 15 inch snowfall on top of ice. I put tire chains on my 1991 Ford F-150 in 2WD and drove all over town without any problems. At times the bumper was plowing snow but I never got stuck. I did not even have any extra weight in the back - just a full tank of gas and two spare tires. It is amazing how effective tire chains can be. Even if you own a 4WD, tire chains will make a heck of a difference. A snow shovel is a great idea as well - just in case you push your luck too far. It is cheap insurance for when the weather gets nasty.