When the front of the trailer is tilted downwards, the front shell is easier to open. When the rear of the trailer is tilted downwards, the rear shell is easier to open.
So you could open the front shell first, with the tongue as close to the ground as possible, and then raise the tongue up off the ground as much as possible to open the rear shell. An electric jack, like this one:
http://www.rvpartscenter.com/Product...DID=45&CID=431
...just makes this process easier because you don't have crank the jack manually.
You'll also want to be sure your torsion bars are adjusted properly so you are getting maximum lift assistance. Any TM dealer would probably do this free of charge...it doesn't take very long.
Dave