BYD Shark 6 Trailer Towing Setup: Step-by-Step Before You Hitch

The BYD Shark 6 tows up to 2,500 kg braked and 750 kg unbraked, with a maximum ball joint vertical load of 250 kg. Before hitching, inflate tyres to towing pressure (front 2.5 bar, rear at least 20 kPa above normal when axle load exceeds limits), verify the 7-pin trailer wiring, check that vertical load is at least 4% of total trailer weight or 25 kg (whichever is heavier), and never exceed 100 km/h while towing.

Towing Capacity Specifications

Measurement	Specification
Max braked towing	2,500 kg
Max unbraked towing	750 kg
Max vertical load (ball joint)	250 kg
Min vertical load	4% of trailer weight or 25 kg (whichever is heavier)
Max towing speed	100 km/h
Rear axle overload allowance	Max 15% above rated rear axle mass
Vehicle overload allowance	Max 100 kg above rated laden mass
Trailer connector	7-pin AS4177.5
Kerb weight	2,710 kg
Tyre spec	265/65 R18
Lug nut torque	140 Nm

Tow Hitch: Fitting and Removal

The Shark 6 uses a removable trailer hitch that slides into the rear receiver housing. The manual describes the process:

• Installing: Slide the hitch into the housing until it locks. Confirm the bolt lock clicks into place.
• Removing: Pull out the bolt lock, then pull out the trailer hitch. Store it safely.
• Hitch purpose: The manual states: "The trailer hitch of this vehicle is only used for towing the trailer. Do not use it for freeing the vehicle itself or rescuing trapped vehicles."

Use only a hitch that matches the vehicle. If you need a replacement or spare, a towing hook connector designed for the Shark 6 ensures the correct 250 kg vertical load rating.

Weight Distribution: Getting It Right

Incorrect weight distribution is the leading cause of trailer sway. The manual provides clear rules:

• Vertical load must be at least 4% of total trailer weight or 25 kg, whichever is heavier
• Do not exceed 250 kg on the ball joint
• Place heavy objects near the trailer axle to avoid interference with steering
• Distribute cargo evenly. Unbalanced loads or heavier loads at the rear cause trailer sway and loss of control.
• Never allow passengers to ride in the trailer

When loaded with equipment, personnel, or goods in the vehicle itself, the vertical load capacity reduces, weakening overall towing capacity. The vehicle must not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) printed on the vehicle nameplate.

Rearview Mirrors for Towing

The manual states: "The field of view of the rearview mirror during towing should comply with the laws and regulations." If the original mirrors do not provide adequate visibility past the trailer width, install aftermarket towing mirror extensions.

Options include mirrors that attach to the existing mirror surface or clamp onto the mirror frame. Check your state's towing visibility laws before your first trip.

Tyre Pressure for Towing

• Standard towing pressure: Front 2.5 bar / Rear 2.5 bar (as per manual)
• When rear axle exceeds 15% of rated mass: Rear tyre pressure must be at least 20 kPa above the normal recommendation. Speed must not exceed 100 km/h.
• After disconnecting: Return pressures to unloaded spec (250/250 kPa)

Trailer Lights: 7-Pin Wiring Check

The Shark 6 uses the AS4177.5 standard 7-pin connector. The manual specifies each pin function:

Pin	Function	Wire Colour
1	Left turn signal	Yellow
2	Reverse light	Black
3	Ground	White
4	Right turn signal	Green
5	12V power	Blue
6	Brake light	Red
7	Driving light	Brown

The manual warns: "Use only the electrical connection device designed by BYD. Do not directly splice or connect the trailer's electrical circuit by other methods. It may damage the electrical system and cause faults." If the trailer connector is not 7-pin, use an adapter. Check all lights before every trip.

Pre-Tow Checklist

Complete this checklist before every towing trip, sourced directly from the manual:

1. Confirm trailer lights and turn signals operate normally
2. Check trailer brakes work correctly
3. Inspect all hitch components, accessories, and electrical connectors
4. Verify wheel chocks are available
5. Confirm loads are evenly distributed
6. Place heavy objects near the trailer axle
7. Ensure the trailer cable does not contact or drag on the ground and has enough slack for turning
8. Adjust tyre pressures to towing specification
9. Double your normal following distance

Wheel chocks, tie-down straps, and tray liners that protect your bed during heavy loads are all worth grabbing before your first tow. We stock a full range of protective and towing accessories built for the Shark 6.

What to Do If Trailer Sway Occurs

The manual provides a clear instruction: "Release the accelerator from hands and slow down gradually. Never attempt to eliminate sway by increasing the speed."

• Do not accelerate. Speed makes sway worse.
• Do not brake suddenly. This can cause jackknifing.
• Release the accelerator and let the vehicle decelerate naturally.
• Hold the steering wheel firmly and avoid overcorrecting.
• Once stable, reduce speed further and pull over to redistribute the load.

Post-Tow Inspection Checklist

• Check tyre condition. Look for wear, damage, or pressure loss on all four vehicle tyres.
• Inspect the hitch. Look for cracks, bending, or loose bolts.
• Check brakes. Towing increases brake wear. Listen for unusual sounds during the next few drives.
• Reset tyre pressures back to unloaded specification (250/250 kPa).
• Check coolant and oil levels. Towing increases powertrain heat. Top up if needed.
• Clean the tray and bed. Towing debris and shifted loads can scratch the bed liner. Our guide on keeping your Shark 6 tray in top condition covers cleaning and protection tips.

Common Mistakes Shark 6 Owners Make

• Exceeding 100 km/h while towing. The manual caps towing speed at 100 km/h under all circumstances.
• Splicing trailer wiring directly. BYD requires their designed electrical connection device. Splicing damages the electrical system.
• Ignoring minimum vertical load. Below 4% of trailer weight on the ball causes rear-end lift and sway.
• Towing on a temporarily repaired or spare tyre. The manual explicitly prohibits this.
• Using the hitch to free a stuck vehicle. The hitch is designed for trailer towing only, not recovery.
• Accelerating through trailer sway. Release the accelerator and slow gradually. Never speed up.

The Shark 6 tows up to 2,500 kg braked with proper setup. Distribute weight correctly, verify the 7-pin wiring before every trip, never exceed 100 km/h, and memorise the sway recovery procedure. Towing adds stress to the vehicle, so complete the post-tow checklist after every long haul.

For towing hooks, bed liners, and every other Shark 6 accessory, bydaccessories.store has your ute covered.