It's not all that close to the van body IMHO. In fact, it's a 'breakable' antenna ... so if it hits something hard it snaps in half. I actually ran it on the front of the landcruiser ARB bumper and it worked great. If we get into serious brush/trees where it becomes a problem.. then i probably shouldn't be there with the van in the first place
Also it unscrews in 5 secs if need be. Im much more concerned with the CB antenna. The roof top CB is much higher than the 2meter ever will be. I've already smacked it on tree limbs.. but generally speaking the Wilson 1000 and K40's can take some serious abuse.
I might still go with a stubby one, but for now this is the best antenna for my radio and it's free so.. maybe down the road i'll get shorter version.
Has anyone mounted a HAM radio up where the CB radio is? Im afraid it will get too hot up there with not enough room to breath properly...?