
Carefree of Colorado Aftermarket Installation Manual Altitude
070026-020 3
REQUIRED PRE-INSTALLATION PREPARATION
1. Park the vehicle on a flat surface and level the unit.
2. Check where the awning arms will be installed. The arms fit snug to the side of the vehicle and must not
cover or interfere with exhaust vents, lights etc.
3. If there is an awning rail installed, check that the awning rail runs the full length of the awning. Please
refer to the note under "Installing an Awning Rail" before proceeding.
UPGRADES TO EXISTING AWNINGS
NOTICE If the existing awning canopy has a metal wrap (Uniguard, Alumaguard), it will be
necessary to replace the existing canopy with a new canopy that has FLXguard or vinyl weatherguard.
1. Carefully mark the centerline location of the existing arms.
2. Extend the awning per the awning manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Remove the canopy retaining screws in the awning rail.
4. For motorized awnings, disconnect power to the awning.
Upgrades for a Manual Awning
Manual awnings contain springs in the roller tube. Follow the manufacturer’s service procedures to safely
remove the springs.
CAUTION This procedure requires working with the roller tube springs. When removed
from the arm, the spring is under extreme tension and will unwind quickly. Keep hands and
clothing clear! Do not try to hold the end plug by hand, use vice grips or similar tools. Failure to
follow the instructions can result in personal injury and property damage.
1. On one arm, remove the end plug, endcap and spring from the arm.
1.1. It will be necessary to hold the arm and move it out of the way when the
end plug is removed.
1.2. It will be necessary to support the roller tube until the other side is
disconnected.
2. Repeat for other side.
3. Allow the roller tube and canopy to hang down the side of the vehicle.
4. Remove the arms from the vehicle.
5. Remove any existing brackets.
6. Remove the springs, end plugs and endcaps from the roller tube.
7. Plug and seal all mounting holes. The mounting holes of the new arms may not match the old awning arms.
Upgrades for a Motorized Awning
1. Determine the existing wiring configuration:
1.1. If the existing installation uses an external wall plug, the installer must furnish the mating plug for
the new motor wires or remove the wall connector and wires. Plug and seal the hole then follow
the standard wiring instructions.
1.2. Configuration A –Motor wires connect directly to a control switch. It is not necessary to remove the
existing switch. The switch must be a DC polarity reversing switch with dynamic brake. If unsure of the
switch type, replace the switch with the included switch.
1.3. Configuration B – Control box electronics (including auto-retract). . Disconnect and remove the
existing control box, wiring and switches. The system is replaced with the single switch control or
the Carefree BT12 Wireless Awning Control System.
2. On one arm, disconnect the roller tube from the arm.
2.1. The arm will extend out when the roller tube is disconnected.
2.2. It will be necessary to support or hold the roller tube until the
other side is disconnected.
SF017a
Unwind
End
Plug
ViceGrips
Travelr014e
Roller Tube Assembly
End CapEnd Cap