Very good explanation, Randy. That is the procedure we use too.
To the original poster, I would review the proper procedure for setting up the Equal-i-zer hitch. The instructions explain it step by step. The washers and L bracket adjustments are to shift the right amount of weight to the front axil of the tow vehicle and keeping the bars parallel to the frame. The hitch shank up/down adjustment is use to level the trailer. Then use the trailer tongue jack to relieve the pressure on the bars when hitching and unhitching as Randy explained.
I always look for a large paved parking lot on a day with little occupancy to properly set up my hitch when ever I change tow vehicles.
