[Icom] High Sierra and Suburban again

[WA9ALS - John]

I've decided on either the High Sierra HS-1500MKII or HS-2000MKII antenna
for use on a Suburban.  My mounting options are on the hitch receiver in the
middle of the rear, or drilling holes and mounting on the left rear fender.

A few of you rightfully expressed concerns/warnings that having the coil
near the rear doors of the vehicle was asking for trouble and/or poor
radiation.  Here's some more specifics, and I'd welcome some more comments:

The lower part of the antenna below the coil is 3 feet on the 1500, and 4.5
ft on the 2000.  How much does this part of the antenna radiate?  If I get
the 2000 with the base of the coil at 4.5 ft, this effectively puts it above
the back of the vehicle, so I'm asking how much help that is as far as
radiation goes?

The HS site shows some installations where they use some sort of extension
sideways from the hitch receiver, thus putting the mount at the left rear,
although still low.  I don't think I can even do that easily - Although my
hitch receiver is 2 inches, the sides of the hitch are 3 inch diameter and
there are no holes to accomodate a pin.  It looks like the standard rear 2
inch attachment in the middle is the only option without something custom
made.

I guess I can try using the hitch receiver, and if I can't get out, start
drilling holes for a higher, side mount!  Any encouragement out there for
either of the specific antennas, e.g. any reason to think that using the
2000 with the 4.5 ft base section would be preferable?

Does anyone besides CBers guy these things??  Unnecessary, I hope?  ;-)

THANKS!  John (WA9ALS)

P.S. - For the -ICOM- 706MKIIG, of course!