Carriage Carri-Lite 2001 User manual

..
OWNER'S MANUAL
The oval-shaped seal prominently displayed on the exterior of your Carri-Lite fifth wheel
means that the manufacturer certifies compliance with more than 500 safety specifica-
tions for electrical, plumbing, heating and fire and life safety established under the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A119.2 .Recreation Vehicle Standard.
Copyright © 2000 by Carriage, Inc.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
lntroduction.................. .. ... ....................... .. .......... .. ................................................................. .. 4
Important Notice .......................................................................................................................
5
Travel Club Information............................................................................................................6
Handy Checklist. ... ... .. ...............................................................................................................7
Warranty Service ......................................................................................................................8
General Information..................................................................................................................9
• Front Landing Gear...............................................................................................................9
• Stabilizing Jacks ...................................................................................................................
9
• Brake Control........................................................................................ .. .............................. 9
• Wiring Harness Code............................................................................................................9
• Break-Away ..........................................................................................................................9
• Automotive Rear-End Ratios.
... .. .......................... .. .. ... . .. ................. .. ....................................9
• Loading...............................................................................................................................10
• Tire Size and Pressure........................................................................................................ 10
• Tire Changing .....................................................................................................................10
• Blocking the Fifth Wheel ...............................
.. ..... .. ............................................... ... ........... 10
• Blocking for Long Periods of Time ....................................................................................
.. 1O
Suggested Travel Equipment.................................................. .. .. .. ........ .. ............................ ... 11
~
I • Safety Equipment.
.. ........... ... . ... ..... .. .................................................................... ... ............. 11
Operation.................................................................................................................................12
• Hitching Your Tow Vehicle .................................................................................................. 12
• Towing ...........................................................
... .................................................................. 12
General Care and Maintenance.............. ... .. ........................................................................... 13
• Exterior/Interior Cleaning ..................................................................................
... ............. .. 13
• Exterior Fiberglass....................
.. ........................................................................... .... .......... 13
• Rubber Roof .......................................................................................................................13
•
Sh .ewer Cabinets!Tubs..................................... .. ................................................................. 13
• Paneling..
.. ................................ ... ..................................... ... .......................... .. ..... ... ........... 13
• Ceiling.................................................................................................................................14
• Countertops ........................................................................................................................14
• Carpeting ........................................................................................................................
.. .. 14
• Cushions and Drapes .........................................................................................................14
• Bedspreads
.. ........................................ .. .................................... .. .. . ... .. .................. ... .......... 14
Operation of Exterior Features ........... ... ................................... .. ......... ... ... .. .. ........................ 14
• Entry Door........
.. ......................................................................................... .. ........... .. .. ....... 14
• Awning Rail.........
.. ..................................................................... .. ............... ... ..................... 14
LP Gas System .......... .. ....... .. .. ... ..................................... ... ..... .. .................................... .... ... . .. 15
• Filling LP Gas Bottles..........................................................................................................15
• Regulator .........................................................
.. ............................................. .. .... .. ............ 16
Carri-Ute Owner's Manual Page 2

Electrical Systems.................................................................................................................. 17
• 11 OV Electrical System .......................................................................................................17
• GFCI Outlets............................................................................
.. .........................................17
• Lifeline ................................................................................................................................17
• Air Conditioner....................................................................................................................17
• 12V Electrical System .........................................................................................................18
• Charger/Converter.............................................................................................................. 18
Fresh Water System ............................................................................................................... 19
•
Water Pump........................................................................................................................19
• Plumbing Components........................................................................................................19
• Water Heater ......................................................................................................................19
• Filling Your Fresh Water Tank.............................................................................................20
• Disinfecting Potable
Water Systems ...................................................................................20
Waste Water System .............................................................................................................. 21
• Holding Tanks..................................................................................................................... 21
• Dumping Your Holding Tanks ............................................................................................. 21
• Sewer Gas..........................................................................................................................22
Appliances ........................................................................................................................ ...... 23
• Gas/Electric Refrigerator.....................................................................................................23
• Gas Range..........................................................................................................................23
• Range Lighting Instructions.................................................................................................24
• Operating the Thermostat...................................................................................................24
• Shut-Down Instructions.......................................................................................................24
Slide Out Room Operation ................................................... .. ................................................ 25
• Using Manual Override .......................................................................................................25
• Slide
Out Room Lights ........................................................................................................25
• Slide
Out Troubleshooting...................................................................................................25
Heating and Cooling...............................................................................................................26
• Furnace ..............................................................................................................................26
• Optional Air Conditioner...................................................................................................... 26
Cold Weather Operation.........................................................................................................26
Winterizing and Storage......................................................................................................... 28
Weight Information .................................................................................................................29
Warranty.................................................................................................................................. 32
State Warranty Enforcement Laws ........................................................................................36
Customer Assistance Steps...................................................................................................36
Customer Bulletins............................................................................................................... .. 37
Carri-Ute Owner's Manual Page 3

INTRODUCTION
"J:hank you for selecting a Carri-Lite product by Carriage, Inc. We're confident that you'll enjoy
your new fifth wheel for years to come.
So that you can get the most from your purchase, be
sure to review the operation, care and maintenance information contained in this manual. The
following pages are written with
you in mind.
Contact your dealer with any problem you may have. If your dealer is unable to solve the
problem, feel free to contact Carriage, Inc., at 1-800-348-2214 or Carriage Customer Care
at 1-888-680-7364.
This manual was written specifically for Carri-Lite fifth wheel products. The instructions
and
information should not be applied or used in reference to other companies' products. The
enclosed information may not
be copied without the written permission of Carriage, Inc. The
manufacturer reserves the right to change specifications
and prices without notice or incurring
obligations.
PLEASE KEEP THIS MANUAL
IN YOUR VEHICLE AT ALL TIMES.
Carri-Lite Owner's Manual
Page4

You need to make sure that the dealer you purchased your
Carriage built product from has filled out the Owner
Registration and
Warranty Form and that this form has
been sent to Carriage, Inc.
Your Carriage product is not covered
under our warranty
program until this form is received by Carriage. In addition,
you are not eligible for the benefits provided through the
Carriage Customer
Care Program until this form has been
received.
It is your responsibility to make sure that your dealer has taken care of this
form.
Thank you,
CARRIAGE, INC.
Carri-Ute Owner's Manual Page 5

CARRIAGE TRAVEL CLUB
PO Box 246, Millersburg, IN 46543-0246 --- Phone: [phone]
Dear Carri-Lite Owner:
Congratulations on your purchase
of this fine product. You, as an owner, are now eligible to join
the Carriage Travel Club.
We invite you to join us by completing the application provided
below. Along with good camping fellowship, the functions
of the Club include assistance in
forming local clubs whenever the desire is shown. State, regional and area rallies are held and a
bi-monthly newsletter
is published.
Membership dues are $15.00 per year -US funds only. When your application and check are
received, you will be sent decals and member numbers (two sets) and a membership directory.
We look forward to hearing from you and receiving your Application for Membership in the
Carriage Travel Club.
Yours for Camping Fellowship
CARRIAGE TRAVEL CLUB
CARRIAGE TRAVEL CLUB APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
Name _______________ Spouse's Name ______ _
Address
--------------------------~
City _______________ State _____ Zip _____ _
Date ofBirth ___________ Spouse's Date of Birth ______ _
Children's Names/Ages (Living with You)
_______________ _
Carri-Lite model you own
____________________ _
Vehicle Identification Number (V.l.N.)
-----------------
E-Mail Address: Cell Phone:
------------- ---------
Today's Date _____________ _
Mail to: Carriage Travel Club, PO Box 246, Millersburg, IN 46543-0246
Carri-Lite Owner's Manual Page 6

• Your dealer will give you a good "Walk Through" to explain all the features in your coach.
But if you still have questions, be sure to ask your Dealer for clarification BEFORE
YOU LEAVE
ON YOUR FIRST TRIP.
• Protect your plumbing! Use a water pressure regulator on the city water hookup, and never
exceed 45
psi.
• Be careful not to turn the water heater on electric mode without water in the reservoir.
Doing so
can burn out the heating element, and that is not covered by warranty.
• Lubricate the locks
on your entry door and compartment doors four times a year, by
spraying them with WD40®.
• CHECK YOUR CAULKINGlll This is the most important thing you can do to preserve your
investment. Check caulking for separation or cracking, four times a year, especially the
seams
on the roof at the front cap and rear end cap.
• Re-pack your axle bearings every 12 months or 12,000 miles, even if you have not traveled
many miles. That will prevent the bearings from drying out.
• To maintain the beauty ofthe finish
on the outside ofyour coach, wax it twice a year.
• Avoid bending the front jack legs. Use the jack motor to extend the exterior part of the
telescoping leg (the strongest part of the leg) at least 10 to
12 inches. Extend the interior
part ofthe
leg the least because it is not as strong. See bulletin at the back ofthis manual.
• Avoid fading of fabrics and carpet. Sun fading is not covered
by warranty. To prevent
fading, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Close the shades or blinds while the
coach is not in use.
• To keep your slide out rooms operating smoothly, keep the tops
of the rooms clean. Dust,
leaves, and other debris can collect
on the top, causing drag or friction. That will result in
wear on the mechanical parts of the room. Wash the tops often.
• The black rubber seals around the slide out room will weather and dry out over time. To
keep them soft, pliable, and smooth, apply a protectant such as AmorAll®.
• Match your truck to your trailer. Check the GCVWR (Gross Combined Vehicle Weight
Rating)
in your truck's manual.
• Keep
an amp meter in your coach, and check the amps of electricity at your park site. Low
amperage
can damage your appliances (circuit boards, appliance motors). Low amperage
may also limit your ability to
run more than one appliance at a time.
P.O. Box 246 Miiiersburg, JN 46543 [phone]
Carri-Lite Owner's Manual Page 7
('\ ..
~··
-- _ .. ~.

WARRANTY SERVICE
Tires, refrigerator, water heater, furnace, range, batteries, charger/converter, generator, water
pump, stool and other appliances carry their own manufacturers' warranties. All such warranty
information
is included in an information packet inside your coach. Operation and maintenance
manuals for these items are also included
in the packet.
Your Carri-Lite limited warranty covers components and parts
of the body structure
manufactured and assembled
by Carriage, Inc. Complete text of the warranty can be found on
pages 32-35
of this manual. Please familiarize yourselfwith it.
Should you have a problem with your coach or equipment, contact your dealer, who will service
your RV or will determine if the manufacturer of a separate item needs to be notified. We buy
from reputable companies, and that means you can
be assured of their cooperation in solving
your problem. They, too, are proud of their products!
If you find it necessary to have any work done
on your coach at a place other than an
authorized Carri-Lite dealer, and you would expect reimbursement for the work, you must clear
the estimated cost with our Warranty Department office.
In your correspondence with the
Warranty Department, please include the serial number of your
RV, your complete address, and
telephone number.
In an emergency, contact Carriage, Inc., Customer Relations Department,
at the telephone number noted above, to help you locate
an authorized service dealer.
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or
death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA)
in addition to notifying Carriage, Inc.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints,
it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety
defect exists
in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However,
NHTSA cannot become involved
in individual problems between you, your dealer, or Carriage,
Inc.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at
or write to:
1-800-424-9393
(or 366-0123
in Washington, D. C. area)
NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation,
Washington, D.C. 20590.
You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.
Carri-Lite Owner's Manual Page 8

GENERAL INFORMATION
Landing Gear
Use the jack motor to extend the exterior part of the telescoping leg (the strongest part of the
leg) at least 10 to 12 inches. Extend the interior part of the leg the least because
it is not as
strong. (Please review the bulletin
on "Jacks" at the back of this manual for additional
information
on the proper use of your landing gear.)
Stabilizing Jacks
Stabilizing jacks are available. Never use stabilizing jacks to lift your coach. They are only to
be used in a snug position under the frame to stabilize your RV.
Brake Control
The brake control for your Carri-Lite towable should be mounted inside your tow vehicle and
should
be located per manufacturer's instructions. It is installed so that the coach's electric
brakes are applied at the same time
as the tow vehicle's hydraulic brakes when you depress the
tow vehicle's brake pedal. The hand lever
on the brake control coach enables you to apply the
coach brakes independently ofthe tow vehicle.
Wiring Harness Code
Your tow vehicle should be wired to the Bargman 57 Code. A color designated Bargman 57
Code chart is enclosed in your warranty packet. Match your tow vehicle wiring harness to this
code.
Self-contained RV's are built to accept their own battery system. This enables you to wire a
charge line from your tow vehicle's alternator to your tow vehicle plug's black terminal. This line
will charge your
RV battery when you are in transit. Your RV battery also is charged whenever
you are connected to
11 OV power.
Break-away
Your coach is equipped with a break-away system. On fifth-wheels, it
is located on the pin box. The break-away system is required in
most states. Loop the break-away cable in a position on your tow
vehicle that allows plenty of slack
in the line. Be sure this is one of
the first items you disconnect when uncoupling your coach from the
tow vehicle. If the tow vehicle
is moved forward while the break-
away cable
is still connected the circuit will automatically set your
coach brakes.
In time, this could drain the coach battery.
Automotive Rear-end Ratios
In recent years, American automobile manufacturers have changed rear-end ratios to improve
gas mileage. Because of those different ratios, we highly recommend that you purchase the
trailer towing package offered on most trucks. The vehicle manufacturer then assures that the
rear-end ratio will
be correct for towing an RV.
Carri-Lite Owner's Manual Page 9

Loading
Do not load more than the difference of your coach weight versus the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) shown
on the weight sticker on your coach. For example, if your coach's
overall weight
is 6,080 pounds, and your GVWR is 8,000 pounds, you could add 1,920 pounds
while maintaining proper distribution (see individual weight document for your coach).
Cabinets, water tanks, etc. are designed and positioned for proper coach balance. If you
overload the
RV or add heavy objects, the balance will be disrupted. Never carry a heavy
motorcycle
on the rear of the coach. This additional overhang weight on the rear of the RV will
take away needed hitch weight. That,
in turn, will take needed weight away from the tow
vehicle's rear wheels. We have designed your RV for normal vacation living. This does not
include hauling a motorcycle or other freight.
Tire Size and Pressure
Please review the customer bulletin at the back of this manual for correct tire information.
Tire Changing
Tire Changing
Blocking the Coach
Jacks are not needed to change a tire. The easiest way to
do it is by simply pulling or backing the good tire up onto an
eight inch or higher block of wood (see illustration).
Emergency flares or flags are
an added safety precaution
when tire changing
is necessary on the road. These items
are available from your dealer.
You should carry several blocks of wood to place between the wheels if it
is ever necessary to
park
on a slight incline. This will help keep the coach from rolling. The metal pads on the
landing jacks of your fifth wheel will provide a positive ground. If planks or wood blocks are
used under the metal pads, the coach should
be grounded by using a bare wire or small chain
from the jacks or bumper to the ground.
Blocking Your Coach for Long Periods of Time
1. Level the ground at the location where the wheels of your coach will be. Lay planks on the
ground at this location, and then pull your RV up
on the planks. Make sure both planks are
level by putting another board crosswise from one plank to another and using a carpenter's
level
on it.
2. Beginning with the wheels level, blocking is easy. Stand back and sight your coach to a
point where it
is level from front to rear by raising or lowering the front stem jack or landing
jacks. Place your stabilizing jacks approximately six to eight feet apart, evenly spaced,
along each side. Take up the slack
by removing a little weight from the wheels. The RV
wheels should carry most ofthe weight. Your coach should be re-blocked twice a year to
_r--, , allow for annual frosts and thaws.
Carri-Lite Owner's Manual Page 10