I use a sleeve since I upgraded my hitch on my Suburban. It has actually worked out well I didn't upgrade my shank to a 2.5" as last year on a trip we needed a tow and the tow truck had to use shank and ball to haul the trailer while the Suburban was on the flatbed. Perhaps he was just poorly prepared (it was a new tow truck) and he would not have been able to haul my trailer if I had a 2.5" shank. I then ended up borrowing my dad's truck for the rest of the trip and he only has a 2" hitch on his older 2500HD so that worked out well also. I never expected to have these scenario's come up, but they did and not having a 2.5" shank worked out well. Some people have had issues with the pin bending while using a sleeve and I can see how that would put more stress on the pin but I've never had an issue. Perhaps it is pin quality as well? My pin is an older locking pin and it has stayed nice and straight.
