When I had mine up a few years ago, I had the twin lead completely 
horizontal just about, it was very far from vertical anyway and it actually 
worked fine. Also at a special event setup we did at a scout camp around 
then we had one just the way you're talking and it seemed fine to me.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tom Behler" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2012 10:07 PM
Subject: Another G5RV Question


> Hi, folks.
>
> Upon further inspection, it turns out that there is a nice tall oak tree
> behind our RV that I might be able to use as the center point for my G5RV.
>
> But, here's the question:
>
> I am not sure how high I'll be able to get the center up into that tree, 
> and
> since the XYL might be helping me with this entire operation, I have to be
> careful.
>
> My question is this:  Is is absolutely essential for the ladder line to be
> vertical, or could a few feet on the bottom be horizontal without 
> degrading
> the antenna's performance substantially?
>
> I don't think we'd have trouble getting the center up about 20 feet, but 
> 30
> might be pushing it.
>
> It's just going to be hard to use a slingshot or whatever to safely get 
> the
> center of the antenna up as high as I would like, given the close quarters
> of the camp ground, and given my desire to save life and limb.
>
> Thanks for tolerating all of these questions, and I'll keep everyone 
> posted
> if we can get something accomplished this week-end.
>
> 73 from Tom Behler: KB8TYJ