This is sort of an engineering question and primarily would pertain to fifth wheels. First, the question. Wouldn't axle weights be different depending in whether hitched or unhitched. I'm going use hypothetical weights not ones from a scale but assuming a 15,500 lb fiver, triple axle with a 3500 lb pin weight, 12,000 lbs are on the axles. This assumes hitched with the front of the trailer supported at the pin right by the front cap. However, when unhiched with the landing gear down, this support is done about 10 feet or more to the rear so it would seem the landing gear must support more weight than the pin relieving some from the axles. We often talk about weight behind the axles lowering pin weight. This is the reverse because weight forward of the landing gear should lower weight on the axles(I think).
Anyway, the difference could be negligible but if this sounds correct, has anyone found a method to weigh their fiver when unhitched and obtained separate weights for the axles and the landing gear since this is not allowed on Cat Scales? Since all RV's are going to have different layouts and appliance placements, I can see no way to mathematically figure this out.
Also, since travel trailers are stored with the support on the tongue I assume this would not apply and axle weights would be the same hitched or unhitched.
Lastly, if anyone was wondering, this is what I have to think about during winter storage months.