This instruction is for the use of the Jayco Carefree Roll-Out Awning common on Expanda and Journey Caravans
Opening the Carefree Awning
Step 1 – Flick the latch to “Open” status on the end of the awning barrel
This is generally on the right hand side of the awning on Expandas and on the left hand side on the newer Journeys.
Step 2 – Unlatch the storage lock mid-way up the awning arm on both arms, also loosen the black knob behind the awning arm & remove the velcro strap.
Step 3 – Grab hold of the strap which should be hanging down from the awning close to the open/close latch
Step 4 – Pull down the strap to separate the awning away from the caravan. There should be a steady clicking noise as the self-winding barrel unwinds.
If this does not easily start to pull the awning barrel away from the edge of the caravan then check:
- Open latch is fully open
- Wiggle top of each side of the awning arms (close to the connection of the awning arm to the barrel) as the arm can get stuck.
- Both arms should be able to be independently pulled away from the caravan easily
Step 5 – Extend the Carefree awning arms
Stand on the inside of the awning arm under the awning. Move to the bottom of the awning arm and undo the latch by opening it away from the awning arm face, next use two hands to extend the awning arm on it’s slide until the awning material is close to horizontal. Clip the latch back into place by noting the latch pin locating into one of the pre-drilled holes inside the awning arm.
Step 6 – Extend the support pole
There will remain the skinny support pole which will be sitting vertically alongside the caravan wall. Unscrew the black knob on the back of the pole just a few turns till it’s a little loose. Grab hold of the bottom of the pole (connected to awning arm) and move the end up to the upper end of the awning arm (close to the awning barrel). It will click into place at the top.
Step 7 – Tighten the black knob on the skinny support pole.
Step 8 – Repeat on the other side & you are all done
Video of the opening process
Closing the Carefree Awning
Step 1 – Loosen the black knob on the skinny support pole just a few rotations until loose
Step 2 – Bring in the support arms
Unclip the skinny support arm by unclipping the metal pin at the end of the awning pole, by dragging from the top, move the skinny support pole down the awning arm until vertical alongside the caravan.
Step 3 – Lower the awning arms
Stand under the awning on the inside of the awning arm, taking care to use two hands to support the weight of the upper section of the awning arm. Undo the latch half way up and support the arm so it slide down and reaches as far down as it can go, push the latch back in and make sure the pin has gone into one of the pre-dilled holes.
Step 4 – Repeat on the other side
Step 5 – Roll in the awning
Grab hold of the strap hanging down near the open/close latch and brace for it to pull. Move the latch at the end of the awning barrel to “Close” status.
If this does not easily move, get another person to help & try to rotate the barrel by hand just a little clockwise which should release the mechanism.
Taking your time, slowly roll the awning back up – it should click as the barrel rolls up.
Once fully rolled in, reattach the locking clips & velcro straps.
Video of Closing Carefree Awning
Step 6 – Relatch the storage lock mid-way up the awning arm on both arms, also loosen the black knob behind the awning arm & remove the velcro strap.