What do you think of when you hear the word "RV?" If you can remember 30 or 40 years ago, you might be thinking of a smallish, cramped tin can on wheels. Those were the days - the bad days! But of course, today's RV's are nothing like that. They are sleek, stylish, roomy, and you can get them equipped with just about every creature-comfort possible. And what we want to do in this brief article is briefly mention some of the ways that you can outfit your RV.

The first thing you should make sure that you have installed in your RV is a good-quality RV air conditioner. If you are traveling during the summertime, or to any of the southern states in the U.S., then an RV air conditioner is essential -- it is NOT a luxury item. Heat exhaustion is a killer of many people each summer - don't you be one of them. Of course, no air conditioner is cheap, but I GUARANTEE that you will never regret buying one for your RV. Make that the number one purchase on your list.

The next item: an RV backup camera. If you own a rig you don't need me to tell you about the hassle parking your rig can be - especially if you have to back that monster up. RV backup cameras eliminate most of that hassle by transmitting an image of the back end of your rig on a display monitor, so you can see just what is going on back there. You can even get units which display the screen image on one half of a specially-designed rearview mirror. Talk about high-tech!

Want a more down-to-earth recommendation? Well, what about investing in a new RV holding tank? The holding tank is the tank that holds all your family's 'human waste' (you know what that is, don't you?) until your load can be dumped (sorry about the pun) at your local campsite dumping station. Get yours checked regularly, especially for leaks - and if necessary, get one installed.

While we're at it, you might as well inspect and install the latest water tanks (for holding fresh water while you are on the road), as well as a good-quality RV water pump. With these 2 items, you will be assured of having no problems with your fresh water supply when you are on vacation.

Here's some additional recommendations for modern RV accessories: A good quality TV. I know, I know - why watch TV when you are on vacation? Yet, sometimes you might not want to miss the big game or your favorite sit-com episode, even while traveling.

And to go with your TV? Well, a RV satellite antenna. Without that, you might as well just leave your TV at home, because you won't be able to pull in any broadcast signals. If you don't want to stare at a black TV screen, you are going to need an RV satellite TV antenna.

Well, those are my recommendations. Vacationing this year in your RV can be a tremendously wonderful experience, but after all we need some comforts out there, don't we? See you on the road this summer!