Carefree WMNL User manual

O WNER ' S M ANUAL
FREEDOM WMNL AWNING
MOTORIZED OR MANUAL LATERAL ARM BOX AWNING
RV
Before operating the awning, carefully review the Owner's Manual.
The manual contains important safety information, detailed operating
instructions, common maintenance procedures and other useful
information.
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
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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.
When 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.
The awnings are made with heavy duty construction including an all metal
chassis.
The Freedom WMNL is available in manually operated or motorized models.
Table of Contents
Operation ............................................................................................................... 2
Motorized Awnings:.......................................................................................3
Manually Operated Awnings:......................................................................... 3
Adjusting the Pitch.........................................................................................4
Manual Override (motorized versions only)...................................................4
Awning Care .......................................................................................................... 5
Fabric Care....................................................................................................5
Mildew................................................................................................. 5
Pooling ................................................................................................ 5
Leaking................................................................................................ 5
Support Arm Care .........................................................................................5
Arm Noise...................................................................................................... 6
Carefree Major Product Limited Warranty........................................................... 7
WARNING 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.
NOTICE It is recommended that if leaving the RV unattended for a
length of time, retract the awning to avoid unexpected climate conditions.
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.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
WARNING This product contains chemicals known to the state of
California to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm.
California’s Proposition 65 requires this warning to be given to customers
in the state of California.

FREEDOM AWNING
3
OPERATION
M OTORIZED A WNINGS :
Extending the Awning
Press and hold the switch in the OUT (extend)
position until the awning is in the desired
position then release the switch.
Retracting the Awning
To retract the awning, press and hold the switch
in the IN (retract) position until the awning is in
the desired position then release the switch.
M ANUALLY O PERATED A WNINGS :
Insert the hook of the manual crank into
the gear loop located on the left side of
the awning.
To extend the awning: Turn the handle
clockwise to extend the awning.
To retract the awning: Detach and stow
the vertical support legs if used. Turn the
handle counterclockwise to retract the
awning.
The crank handle may be extended or shortened
by twisting the locking ring, then sliding the handle
in or out to the desired length.
NOTICE Use care to not over extend the awning canopy. If the fabric
begins to become slack, reverse the direction of the handle to tighten the
fabric. Insure the fabric rolls onto the roller tube as shown. Rolling up the
fabric in the wrong direction on the roller tube can damage the fabric and
cause the awning to not operate correctly.
A
W
N
I
N
GO
U
T
I
N
TravelR041
Press to
Retract
Press to
Extend
Retract Extend
Gear Loop
WM014
Unlock Lock

Carefree of Colorado
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A DJUSTING THE P ITCH
The pitch for the Freedom WMNL can be adjusted to optimize the installation.
1. Open the awning to access the adjustment
screws located on the arm case knuckles.
2. Have a second person lift up on the lead rail to
relieve the pressure on the adjustment screws.
3. Using a 4mm allen wrench, loosen the top
locking screw. Turn the bottom adjustment
screw clockwise to raise the lead rail; turn the
adjustment screw counterclockwise to lower
the lead rail.
4. When the pitch is set at the desired angle, tighten the top screw.
5. Repeat for each arm. Ensure that the lead rail is parallel with the awning
case.
M ANUAL O VERRIDE ( MOTORIZED VERSIONS ONLY )
If power to the vehicle is not available, the awning can be safely retracted using
the manual override located on the idler (right) end of the case.
NOTE: This procedure cannot be used to
extend the awning.
1. Remove the plug from the right endcap
and save.
2. Insert 3/8" socket drive extension and
handle into the square drive hole inside
the endcap.
3. Turn the handle counterclockwise until
the awning is retracted.
4. Replace the plug.
NOTICE After closing the awning with the manual override, the lead rail
may move out from the case 1/4" -1/2". This is normal and the awning is
secure for travel until power is restored or repairs are completed. Do not
attempt to force the lead rail in with the override, serious damage can
occur to the awning.
WM013a
Raise
Lower
Pitch Adjustment
Screw
Arm Knuckle
Locking Screw
Remove Plug
3/8” Socket
Drive Extension
WM012

FREEDOM AWNING
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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.
F ABRIC C ARE
NOTICE 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 require the material to be washed more
frequently.
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.
LEAKING
On vinyl canopies, side hems and poly cords are stitched in with a sewing
machine. On occasion, this stitching may allow water to seep or leak through the
stitches. This is normal and not a defect covered by warranty. Treat the seams
with a quality seam sealer.
S UPPORT A RM C ARE
The best method of keeping the support 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.

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A RM N OISE
After a period of use, the arm knuckle joints may slide together slightly making a
squeaking or squealing noise; this is normal and not a reason for concern. To reduce
the sound, apply a few drops of multi-purpose oil (3-IN-1®1or equivalent) on the
knuckle joint seams. Operate the awning and repeat 3-4 times to allow the oil to
penetrate into the joint.
Apply Light Oil in
Joint Seams
WM017 Case Center Knuckle Lead Rail
13-IN-1®is a registered trademark of the WD-40 company.

FREEDOM AWNING
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CAREFREE MAJOR PRODUCT LIMITED WARRANTY
Carefree of Colorado (hereafter referred to as Carefree) warrants to the first retail
Purchaser that the Carefree Product is free of defects in material and
workmanship within the terms and conditions as set forth in the warranty
statement available online at www.carefreeofcolorado.com. Carefree’s obligation
under this warranty is limited to the repair or replacement, at Carefree’s option, of
any defective component with new or factory refurbished components.
OWNER MUST RETAIN THE ORIGINAL PROOF OF PURCHASE AND/OR HAVE THE PRODUCT
WARRANTY REGISTRATION ON FILE AT CAREFREE FOR WARRANTY CLAIMS.
THIS WARRANTY IS NOT TRANSFERABLE.
For - Warranty Duration;
- Warranty Coverage and Exclusions;
- Warranty Terms of Coverage; and,
- Warranty Claim Procedures
Refer to publication
"Carefree Major Product Limited Warranty"
available online at
For North American Customers: www.carefreeofcolorado.com
For European Customers: www.carefreeofeurope.eu
Register your Carefree products on-line at:
For North American Customers: www.carefreeofcolorado.com
For European Customers: www.carefreeofeurope.eu
Publications available on-line @ www.carefreeofcolorado.com:
070009-001 Freedom WMNL Installation Manual
070009-201 Freedom WMNL Owner's Manual
IMPORTANT NOTICE: It is strongly recommended that adjustments and repairs not
described in this book be performed by trained technicians at your Authorized
Carefree Dealer. Work performed by non-authorized persons or businesses may
void warranty.
Carefree of Colorado 2145 W. 6th
A
venue Broomfield, CO 80020
a
Scott Fetzer company

070009-201 Printed in USA June, 2014