My wife and I often think about taking some of the less traveled back roads when we are camping, then we remember that we have to be able to tow our trailer home with our truck, so it's probably not a great idea. Perhaps one day we will have one of those toy hauler trailers so we can put a side by side in the back or something! I'm glad you were able to make it home and get your vehicle fixed!
Stuff happens when one off-roads, it's inevitable; things fail, break, tyres get slashed, it goes with the territory. Most things can be fixed and I guess the most important thing is to be prepared. I think a side by side would work well for you.