BYD Shark 6 Towing Capacity: Everything You Need to Know
The BYD Shark 6 has a maximum braked towing capacity of 2,500 kg, an unbraked capacity of 750 kg, and a maximum ball joint vertical load of 250 kg. Towing mode activates automatically 15 seconds after the trailer cable connects, defaults to Normal mode, and disables 10 driver-assistance systems. Tyre pressure should be 2.5 bar front and rear. All figures come from the BYD Shark 6 Owner's Manual.
Towing Capacity at a Glance
| Specification | Limit | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum braked towing capacity | 2,500 kg | Total trailer weight (including cargo) when the trailer has its own brakes |
| Maximum unbraked towing capacity | 750 kg | Total trailer weight when the trailer has no independent brakes |
| Maximum vertical load on ball joint | 250 kg | Downward pressure on the tow ball at rest |
| Towing tyre pressure | 2.5 bar front / 2.5 bar rear | Pre-tow inflation from the manual |
| Measurement note | Total braked capacity includes trailer weight plus all cargo. Damage caused by exceeding these limits is not covered under warranty. | |
BYD Shark 6 Maximum Towing Capacity (from Owner's Manual)
The Shark 6 is rated to tow up to 2,500 kg braked, on par with most mid-size PHEV utes in the Australian, UK, and Singapore markets.
Vertical load must be at least 4% of total trailer weight or 25 kg (whichever is heavier), and must not exceed 250 kg. Rear-heavy or unbalanced trailer loads cause sway and loss of vehicle control. The combined vehicle and trailer must never exceed the GVWR printed on your Shark 6 nameplate.
How Towing Mode Works and When to Activate It?
Towing mode activates two ways:
- Automatic: Indicator detection starts 15 seconds after the trailer cable is connected.
- Manual: Infotainment touchscreen > Vehicle > Towing Mode, then enable automatic indicator detection.
Before connecting, insert the trailer hitch into the rear interface. Shift into Reverse, then enable towing mode on the panoramic view screen.
| Indicator State | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Solid blue | Trailer connected, towing mode operating normally |
| Solid red | Trailer cable fault or disconnection during driving |
| Off | Trailer cable not connected |
Important: In towing mode, driving mode is locked to NORMAL and cannot be changed. Maximum speed is also limited automatically.
EV vs HEV Mode While Towing: Which to Use?
Towing increases weight and aerodynamic drag, reducing range. The Shark 6's PHEV setup means the petrol engine sustains the drive once the high-voltage battery depletes, so you are not stranded waiting for a charge.
For longer tows, HEV mode preserves battery reserve for steep climbs and rapid acceleration. The route planner adjusts mileage estimates based on historical towing energy use.
For more on charging strategy around heavy load, our BYD Shark 6 complete charging guide covers AC, DC, and PHEV charging in detail.
Setting Up the Tow Hitch and Trailer Connection
Hitch installation from the manual:
- Insert the trailer hitch sub-assembly into the square hole receiver until the holes align.
- Insert the bolt into the aligned hole, then insert the bolt lock.
- Confirm the hitch is firmly inserted by pulling down on it. If it does not lock, it may fall out during driving.
The Shark 6 uses a 7-pin electrical connector compliant with AS4177.5. If your trailer plug is not 7-pin, you will need an adapter. Plugging in with the vehicle stationary auto-activates towing mode.
The trailer hitch is for towing only. Never use it to free a stuck vehicle or recover another vehicle.
Rearview Mirror Holders for Towing
The Shark 6's standard side mirrors may not provide legal field of view when towing a wide trailer or caravan. The manual confirms that if original mirrors do not meet local requirements, you must install a suitable trailer rearview mirror.
- Surface-mount: Attaches directly to the side mirror surface.
- Frame clamp: Clamps onto the mirror frame for wider extension.
Weight Distribution: Payload vs Tongue Weight
Tongue weight (vertical load) is the downward force the trailer applies to the tow ball. Getting this right is critical to stability.
- Minimum tongue weight: 4% of trailer weight, or 25 kg (whichever is heavier)
- Maximum tongue weight: 250 kg
- Loading rule: Heaviest items over the trailer axle, lighter cargo behind
- Never: Place heavier loads at the trailer rear (causes sway)
- Never: Allow cargo to move freely inside the trailer
If the Shark 6 is loaded with cargo or passengers, available vertical load reduces, which weakens effective towing capacity. Combined weight must always stay within GVWR.
How Towing Affects Real-World Range?
Towing reduces range in two ways: added weight increases energy consumption, and trailer drag adds aerodynamic load. The Shark 6 route planner uses historical towing data to refine mileage estimates over repeated trips.
If the battery runs low mid-tow, the petrol engine takes over. For another use of the Shark 6 high-voltage system, see our explainer on BYD Shark 6 V2L and on-board power, useful at campsites and worksites once your gear is in place.
Speed Limits When Towing
The Shark 6 automatically limits maximum speed in towing mode. The manual specifies a stricter cap in edge-load cases:
- Rear axle mass exceeded by no more than 15%, or
- Laden mass exceeded by no more than 100 kg
In these cases, speed must not exceed 100 km/h. Always observe local towing limits, which vary between Australia, the UK, and Singapore.
One critical consequence: 10 driver-assistance systems are disabled in towing mode. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Intelligent Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Braking, Rear Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Cross Traffic Brake, Lane Departure Warning, and ELKA (Emergency Lane Keeping Assist). Drive with full attention.
Safety Checklist Before Every Tow
Run through this list before every tow, drawn from the Shark 6 owner's manual:
- Total trailer weight under 2,500 kg braked or 750 kg unbraked
- Vertical load between 4% of trailer weight (or 25 kg minimum) and 250 kg maximum
- Tyres inflated to 2.5 bar front and 2.5 bar rear
- Combined vehicle and trailer weight within GVWR
- No faulty, temporarily repaired, or spare tyres in use
- Cargo firmly secured inside the trailer
- No passengers riding in the trailer
- Trailer cable connected, towing mode indicator solid blue
- Trailer rearview mirrors fitted if standard mirrors do not meet local law
- Driver holds the licence class for the combined vehicle and trailer mass
- Electromagnetic brake synchroniser confirmed with trailer manufacturer (if equipped)
Common mistakes Shark 6 owners make when towing
- Loading the trailer rear-heavy. Causes sway. Heavy items belong over the axle.
- Connecting cables in gear. The manual requires Park; powered-off connection is recommended.
- Forgetting ADAS turns off. No ACC, no AEB, no ELKA. Full attention required.
- Using the hitch for recovery. For towing trailers only.
- Ignoring a red towing indicator. Pull over and check the cable immediately.
- Towing without adjusting tyre pressure. Underinflation under load increases wear and instability.
For trailer mirrors, hitch accessories, and towing-ready add-ons for the BYD Shark 6, browse our BYD Shark 6 accessories range.