Carefree FREEDOM series User manual

OWNER'S MANUAL
FREEDOM AWNINGS
RV PATIO,WINDOW AND OTDAWNINGS
Freedom Patio Awning
Freedom Window and OtD Awnings
Special Note: This manual provides a basic description of the product and the standard
operating controls provided by Carefree of Colorado. Some Original Equipment
Manufacturers (OEM's) may alter or change the placement, style and/or functional
configuration of the switches. If your controls do not match the style or description
included, contact the coach manufacturer for an accurate description. OEM furnished
components are not covered by the Carefree warranty.

Carefree of Colorado
2
About Carefree
From it's beginning in the early 70's, Carefree of Colorado has emerged as the
premier manufacturer of quality awnings and accessories for Recreational
Vehicles (RVs). Our full line of products can provide the accessories that match
your life style; no matter what type of RV you own. Check with your dealer to
discover the products that can make your life more Carefree.
The Carefree Freedom series of awnings are state of the art with lateral support arms
that provides strength and functionality without interfering with coach sidewalls, custom
graphics or equipment that may be mounted on the sidewalls.
¾When retracted, the housing provides protection against the elements while
the streamlined styling blends in with the RV sidewall and is a perfect
complement to other Carefree products.
¾The awnings are made with heavy duty construction including an all metal
chassis.
¾The patio, window and OtD (Over the Door) models are all available as
manually operated or motorized awnings.
Operation ............................................................................................................... 3
Motorized Awnings: ....................................................................................... 3
Manually Operated Awnings:......................................................................... 3
Using the Vertical Support Legs .................................................................... 4
Awning Care .......................................................................................................... 5
Fabric Care.................................................................................................... 5
Mildew ................................................................................................. 5
Pooling ................................................................................................ 5
Arm Care ....................................................................................................... 5

FREEDOM AWNING
3
OPERATION
WARNING
KEEP ALL SOURCES OF HEAT AND FLAME AWAY FROM THE AWNING CANOPY.FABRIC IS
NOT FIRE-PROOF AND CAN BURN IF LEFT IN CONTACT WITH ANY FLAME OR HEAT SOURCE.
CAUTION
The effects of wind and rain on an awning are unpredictable. Severe
damage to the awning and the vehicle may result. IF WIND OR EXTENDED
PERIODS OF RAIN ARE EXPECTED,RETRACT THE AWNING.
It is recommended that if leaving the RV unattended for a length of time,
retract the awning to avoid unexpected climate conditions.
MOTORIZED AWNINGS:
To Operate the Awning: Press and hold the
switch until the awning is in the desired
position then release the switch.
MANUALLY OPERATED AWNINGS:
•Insert the hook of the manual
crank into the gear loop located on
the left side of the awning.
•Turn the handle counterclockwise
to extend the awning.
•Turn the handle clockwise to
retract the awning.
The crank handle may be extended or
shortened by pressing the spring lock
button in then sliding the handle in or
out to the next button hole.
Carefree of Colorado
Carefree of Colorado
E00
44
RETRACT
EXTEND
Press to
Retract
Press to
Extend
Extend Close
Gear Loop
Spring Latch
FIII036

Carefree of Colorado
4
USING THE VERTICAL SUPPORT LEGS
(Available For Patio Awnings Only)
Two telescoping vertical support legs are stowed in the lead rail of the awning.
These can be used to provide increased stability and to adjust the height of the
front edge (lead rail) of the awning.
CAUTION
THE GROUND SUPPORT LEGS DO OFFER INCREASED STABILITY BUT DO NOT COMPENSATE
FOR HARSH WEATHER CONDITIONS SUCH AS WIND AND/OR HEAVY RAIN.DURING
INCLEMENT WEATHER,RETRACT AND SECURE THE AWNING IN THE TRAVEL POSITION.
FIII014
Unlock
Lock
Latch
Release
Button
Carport Foot
Bottom Bracket
Retaining Pin
Rotate the Front Cover Up
to Expose the Legs
1. Extend the awning.
2. Rotate the front cover of the leading edge up to expose the legs.
3. Unsnap the leg from the storage position. To do so, open the latch and
slide the foot out from the retaining clip.
4. Swivel the leg down.
5. Press the release catch and extend the first section of the leg until it locks
in place with the ball lock.
6. For Carport Position:
•Extend the second section of the support down to ground.
•Hold the carport foot on the ground and lift the top section of the support
until the awning is at the desired height. Close the latch.
•Stake the carport foot to the ground. (Stakes are not included)
7. For Wall Support:
•Rotate and extend the leg to the bottom bracket.
•Lift the retaining pin and insert the foot into the bracket. Allow the
retaining pin to drop down over the foot.
•Lift the top section of the support until the awning is at the desired
height. Close the latch.
8. Repeat for other side.
To stow the leg, reverse the above steps.

FREEDOM AWNING
5
AWNING CARE
Maintaining a Carefree Awning is easy. Just follow these basic steps:
•Always operate the awning according to the instructions.
•Periodically check that the fasteners are tight. Tighten if necessary.
•Keep the awning fabric and arms clean.
FABRIC CARE
CAUTION
DO NOT USE OIL BASED CLEANERS OR ANY CAUSTIC,GRANULATED,OR ABRASIVE TYPE
CLEANERS ON YOUR CAREFREE PRODUCT.
1. One of the best ways to keep the fabric looking good and to delay the need
for deep or vigorous cleanings is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with
clear water. This practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply
imbedded in the fabric. In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be
needed every two to three years.
2. When it’s time for a thorough cleaning, the fabric can be cleaned while still
on the awning frame.
•For Vinyl Fabric – Use a soft brush and warm water with soap.
•For Acrylic Fabric – Use a stiff brush and warm water with soap.
3. When cleaning the fabric, it is important to observe the following:
•Always use a natural soap, never detergent.
•Water should be cold to lukewarm, never more than 100°F.
•Air-dry only. Never apply heat to the fabric.
•Always allow the fabric to dry thoroughly before rolling up the awning.
MILDEW
Mildew is a fungus growth that looks like dirt. Vinyl coated polyester fabrics are mildew
resistant because of a chemical biocide in the vinyl coating. Under ordinary conditions,
mildew will not appear. However, in areas where high temperature and humidity are
common, mildew can be a problem and required the material to be washed more
frequently. Thoroughly rinse the fabric and allow to air dry completely before retracting
the awning.
POOLING
When water collects on the top of the fabric, this is known as "pooling". This can occur
during inclement weather or if a running air conditioner discharges over the awning.
The water is dumped when the awning is retracted. It is recommended that if water
accumulates; retract the awning in steps (8"-12") to dump the water. This will help
prevent the fabric from stretching or distorting.
ARM CARE
The best method of keeping the arms and braces operating smoothly is to clean
them. Dirt and debris can cause the channels not to slide easily.
Periodically wash out the channels with running water (i.e. a hose) to keep them
clean. If the channels still do not slide easily, lightly spray the joints and/or inside
of the channels with a dry silicone lubricant after the arms have been cleaned
and dried thoroughly.

OWNER'S MANUAL
FREEDOM AWNINGS
RV OTD(OVER THE DOOR)SLIDER AWNING
Awning shown in the camping position

FREEDOM AWNING
OPERATION
WARNING
KEEP ALL SOURCES OF HEAT AND FLAME AWAY FROM THE AWNING CANOPY.FABRIC IS
NOT FIRE-PROOF AND CAN BURN IF LEFT IN CONTACT WITH ANY FLAME OR HEAT SOURCE.
CAUTION
AWNINGS ARE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE SHADE AND PROTECTION FROM THE SUN.THE
EFFECTS OF WIND AND RAIN ON AN AWNING ARE UNPREDICTABLE AND CAN CAUSE
SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE AWNING AND/OR THE VEHICLE.IF WIND OR EXTENDED PERIODS
OF RAIN ARE EXPECTED,ROLL UP THE AWNING AND SECURE.
POSITIONING THE AWNING
Use the hook of the manual crank handle to hook over the notches in the catches.
FIII009a
To Camping Position
Front of RV
To position the awning in the camping position:
Grab the rear catch with the crank handle and pull down to unlock and pull
forward until the front latch catches.
FIII009b
To Travel Position
Rear of RV
To position the awning in the travel position:
Grab the front catch with the crank handle and pull down to unlock and pull to the
rear until the rear latch catches.

Carefree of Colorado
TO OPERATE THE AWNING
•Insert the hook of the manual crank
into the gear loop located on the left
side of the awning.
•Turn the handle counterclockwise to
extend the awning.
•Turn the handle clockwise to retract
the awning.
The crank handle may be extended or
shortened by pressing the spring lock
button then sliding the handle in or out to
the next button hole.
EXTEND
FIII035
CLOSE
Spring Lock Button
Gear Loop

FREEDOM AWNING
AWNING CARE
Maintaining a Carefree Awning is easy. Just follow these basic steps:
•Always operate the awning according to the instructions.
•Periodically check that the fasteners are tight. Tighten if necessary.
•Keep the awning fabric and arms clean.
FABRIC CARE
CAUTION
DO NOT USE OIL BASED CLEANERS OR ANY CAUSTIC,GRANULATED,OR ABRASIVE TYPE
CLEANERS ON YOUR CAREFREE PRODUCT.
1. One of the best ways to keep the fabric looking good and to delay the need
for deep or vigorous cleanings is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with
clear water. This practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply
imbedded in the fabric. In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be
needed every two to three years.
2. When it’s time for a thorough cleaning, the fabric can be cleaned while still
on the awning frame.
•For Vinyl Fabric – Use a soft brush and warm water with soap.
•For Acrylic Fabric – Use a stiff brush and warm water with soap.
3. When cleaning the fabric, it is important to observe the following:
•Always use a natural soap, never detergent.
•Water should be cold to lukewarm, never more than 100°F.
•Air-dry only. Never apply heat to the fabric.
•Always allow the fabric to dry thoroughly before rolling up the awning.
MILDEW
Mildew is a fungus growth that looks like dirt. Vinyl coated polyester fabrics are mildew
resistant because of a chemical biocide in the vinyl coating. Under ordinary conditions,
mildew will not appear. However, in areas where high temperature and humidity are
common, mildew can be a problem and required the material to be washed more
frequently. Thoroughly rinse the fabric and allow to air dry completely before retracting
the awning.
POOLING
When water collects on the top of the fabric, this is known as "pooling". This can occur
during inclement weather or if a running air conditioner discharges over the awning.
The water is dumped when the awning is retracted. It is recommended that if water
accumulates; retract the awning in steps (8"-12") to dump the water. This will help
prevent the fabric from stretching or distorting.
ARM CARE
The best method of keeping the arms and channels operating smoothly is to
clean them. Dirt and debris can cause the channels not to slide easily.
Periodically wash out the channels with running water (i.e. a hose) to keep them
clean. If the channels still do not slide easily, lightly spray the joints and/or inside
of the channels with a dry silicone lubricant after the arms have been cleaned
and dried thoroughly.