Closing a Pullrite

I just replaced my Reese 16K with a new Pullrite Super 5th 20K hitch prior to taking delivery of my new 5er. With the Reese I always closed the hitch using the handle when not hooked up. The Pullrite manual says the hitch stays open. If you want to close it for safety you're told in the manual to "use a probe device to simulate the kingpin."

Maybe it's just me but this seems sketchy. What do all you Pullrite owners do? What do you recommend for a probe? (and I really hate throwing out that straight line but there you go)