They can be left open unless little hands may be near when you take it out. As an owner of a 3300 Superglide for 7 years I only closed mine a few times. Do not do it by hand because it will bite.(Don't ask how I know) That feature I really liked because when you hit the pin on the trailer there is no doubt it is latched along with a quick look at the handle. Cummins12V98 will shoot me but that was one feature I like better over the B&W I now have. I have to get up in the truck to close the handle and pin it. I will say though the B&W is a stronger built hitch with thicker jaws. Having used both these American built products you can't go wrong.