Dismount counterweights when storing tripod?

[Swoop1]

When storing my rig, where I dismount the scope from the mount, is it advisable to take the counterweights off the mount to reduce stresses on the unit?

[Moonshane]

I generally do as it's almost certainly beneficial in terms of tooth wear etc. Never seen any actual evidence but it makes logical sense to me.

[Cosmic Geoff]

You don't say what size your rig is. If you don't need to take the weights off to reduce the weight and accident risk when carrying it, you don't need to worry. Nothing bad will happen if you just store the mount with the weight on. But moving it with a 5 or 10Kg weight attached could be asking for some kind of trouble or accident.

[Waldemar]

It is almost no work to take them off, so why wouldn't you?
the continous strain on one side of the mount will not make it better, that's for sure...

[Swoop1]

The rig is a SW Explorer 150P on an EQ3-2.

 

[Steve Ward]

Just loosen the weights and slide them up tight against the body of the mount. 

You are not going to damage the mount and it will save precious 'faffing about time' when it comes to setting up next time.

[RichM63]

As per Steve, but I've marked their balanced positions for speed.

[Swoop1]

Steve- Rich,

Good idea.

I have got to redo the balance of my scope so will mark the weight positions and also mark the tube (masking tape or similar) as I sometimes have to rotate it in the rings to get a comfortable EP angle.