your opinion please!

I drive a '97 Ford Explorer and want something new but don't know what to get.  I LOVE my Explorer but I don't like the new ones.  I like the Ridgeline but the bed is too short.  The new Explorer has too many seats.  The Avalanche is great but too big.  If I get a truck I would need a cover that I can remove myself.  Plus, I hear trucks are bad in snow.  If I get an SUV the seats have to lay flat with no places for my dogs to get their paws stuck in and I don't want to pay for 3rd row seating I'll never use.  It must be tough and easy to clean.  I prefer  no carpet but tough leather seats.  I'm stumped.  Any ideas?  

The "Sport Trac" is nice, but the bed isn't any larger than the Ridgeline.  You might consider the Nissan Extera.  If you could pull it "4 down" behind a motor home, I would probably buy one.  Good luck!  
retired2001
2010 Colorado Crew Cab Z/71 V8
"Toad" for 2007 Winnebago Adventurer

How about a more compact SUV? Like a CRV or RAV4? Easy to clean, don't know about your dogs though because it'd depend on how big your dogs are.  

I used to have a 97 Explorer and now drive an 2008 Escape.  It's surprisingly roomy inside and drives nicely.  The new Escape is practically the same size as the older Explorers but get better fuel economy and have a smoother ride.  When I first looked at the Escape I was skeptical, but now having one for 6 months, I feel it's a much better buy than the current Explorer for my needs.  I have  a Black Labrador and a Golden Retriever and they love it too!  Hope this helps.  

I could not agree with you more about the new Explorer. The Explorer really took a nose dive with the new exterior and interior. Dodge's Dakota in a crew cab is a decent truck and can be fitted with a locking toneau cover easily.  Depending on the size of truck you want, the Tahoe might be a good choice as well. (I believe the third seat is a extra cost option) Best of luck to you.