Leave telescope setup when not in use?

[aloshan (Australia)]

Hi Guys

Absolute newbie here

I have a Celestron Astromaster 130EQ.

When not in use , should be telescope be mounted on the tripod incouding the weights or is this putting undue stress on it and I should just leave it not setup and mount it only when I plan to use it?

Thanks in advance

[glend (Glen)]

Depends on how much space you have for it. The mount is rated to carry the scope. For sometime I left the counterweights off my 130.

[cometcatcher (Kevin)]

I don't have that particular scope, but I leave everything setup. Just one thing, leave the tube horizontal or pointing down slightly when not in use so dust doesn't settle on the mirror. Nothing destroys the mirror coating faster than dust from leaving the scope pointed up.