I live just south of you and have never run into hitches seizing to the receiver.
This maybe a dumb idea, but why not just take it out? Then theres nothing to get stolen, anti-theft devices to get gummed up or key's to get lost.
If you are interested I have the bumper off my trail I would let go of for really cheap. It would need to be sprayed since its grey right now.
I also have the inner aluminum bumper I would be willing to let go of too.
I have a complete grey trail bumper off my 2012 that I am looking sell; replaced it with a shrockworks bumper. Not sure what a fair price is, but its just sitting in my garage taking up space.