i always have mine in. its a life saver. been hit a few times with it, and also hit a few things with it, usually fences that just popped up out of no where. i swear they werent there before i started to back up. i usually take it out before i go off roading but lately ive been too lazy to take it off. ive hit a few rocks with it, but its all good. i have a masterlock locking pin and have had no problems with it. im gonna keep it in on my new truck as well.
also in some states like Pennsylvania its illegal to drive with it in the hitch. so check your local state laws. i prefer to have mine in. had a friend driving his f350 get hit by a lady on her phone in her mercades. the police showed up and asked him to move his truck. he tipped the mercades radiator in 2. so im gonna keep mine in, shin pain and all.
