The BYD Shark 6 has brought serious towing capability to the plug-in hybrid ute market. With its combination of electric drive, petrol-hybrid power and all-wheel drive, it is built to handle more than just the daily commute.

But knowing your Shark 6 can tow is only the starting point. The important questions are: how much can it tow, what equipment do you actually need, and what should you fit first?

This guide breaks down the BYD Shark 6 towing capacity, the key numbers to check before you tow, and the order of equipment to consider when setting your vehicle up for work, touring or weekend adventures.

BYD Shark 6 Towing Capacity: What Can It Tow?

The Australian-market BYD Shark 6 1.5L is rated for up to 2,500 kg braked towing capacity and up to 750 kg unbraked. The manufacturer's owner handbook also lists a 250 kg maximum vertical load on the towball.

BYD has also expanded the Shark 6 range with the 2.0L Shark 6 Performance, which increases maximum braked towing capacity to 3,500 kg. The Performance model uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged hybrid drivetrain and produces 350kW/700Nm.

Here are the key towing figures to know:

*Always confirm the specifications for your exact vehicle variant, towbar and trailer combination before towing.

Important model update

BYD has introduced the new Shark 6 Performance with a 2.0L turbocharged hybrid drivetrain and a maximum braked towing capacity of 3,500 kg. The 2,500 kg towing figures discussed throughout this guide apply to the 1.5L Shark 6 models. If you're considering the Performance variant, check its specific towing, towball and vehicle load specifications before selecting your towing equipment.

The Shark 6's towing capacity gives owners flexibility across different towing applications, from box trailers and work trailers through to larger caravans and recreational equipment.

But don't treat the maximum towing capacity as a target you automatically have to use. Your actual towing setup also needs to account for the trailer's loaded weight, towball download, passengers, cargo and the vehicle's own weight limits.

The number one mistake: looking at the maximum towing capacity and assuming that means you can load the vehicle and trailer to that number without checking anything else.

Your towing capacity is only one part of the calculation.

Braked vs Unbraked: Why the Difference Matters

For the 1.5L Shark 6, the maximum unbraked towing capacity is 750 kg. If your trailer weighs more than that, it needs its own braking system and you need to make sure the vehicle and trailer braking setup is appropriate for the load.

For a 2,500 kg braked trailer, the trailer's braking system becomes a critical part of the overall setup.

If you're considering the Shark 6 Performance, make sure you work from the specifications applicable to that specific 2.0L variant rather than assuming the 1.5L figures apply.

Before buying or fitting a towbar, check:

• Your trailer's ATM and actual loaded weight

• Whether the trailer has its own brakes

• The required brake controller and wiring

• Your Shark 6's towball download limit

• The towbar's rated capacity

• Your vehicle's GVM and payload once passengers and accessories are added

• The exact Shark 6 variant you own

The key point is simple: a towbar being physically capable of a certain load doesn't automatically mean your vehicle can legally or safely tow that load.

Always work from the manufacturer's vehicle limits and the specifications for the exact towbar and trailer combination.

What Towbar Does the BYD Shark 6 Need?

The towbar is the foundation of the entire towing setup.

It needs to be correctly designed and rated for the Shark 6, properly mounted to the vehicle and compatible with the electrical requirements of the trailer you're towing.

For a vehicle like the Shark 6, it's worth looking beyond simply buying the cheapest towbar available. The right setup should take into account:

Towing capacity: The towbar needs to be appropriately rated for the vehicle and the load you're planning to tow.

Towball load: The vertical load on the towball matters just as much as the overall trailer weight.

Electrical connection: Your trailer lights and other required electrical functions need to work correctly with the vehicle.

Vehicle compatibility: The towbar should be designed specifically for the BYD Shark 6 rather than adapted from a generic application.

Fitment: Correct installation matters. The towbar becomes a structural part of the towing system, so installation is not the place to cut corners.

Bars N Racks currently offers a Shark 6-specific Ironman Rear Protection Tow Bar, alongside a wider range of accessories designed specifically for the BYD Shark 6.

BYD Shark 6 Towing Setup: What Should You Fit First?

If you're building your Shark 6 for towing, the order you fit equipment matters.

You don't necessarily need every accessory on day one. Start with the equipment that directly affects towing, then build around how you actually use the vehicle.

1. Start With the Towbar

The towbar should be the first major towing accessory you sort out.

It gives you the physical connection point for the trailer and forms the basis for the rest of your towing setup.

Before ordering, confirm the towbar is designed for your specific Shark 6 variant and that its rating is suitable for the loads you intend to tow.

2. Sort Out the Trailer Wiring

Once the towbar is selected, make sure the electrical connection is correctly configured.

Trailer lights, indicators and other required functions need to operate correctly. Don't assume that because the towbar is fitted, the electrical side is automatically sorted.

Ask the installer what wiring solution is required for your particular Shark 6 and trailer.

3. Add a Brake Controller Where Required

If you're towing a braked trailer, the braking system needs to be correctly integrated with the vehicle.

A brake controller allows the trailer's brakes to operate in coordination with the towing vehicle. The exact equipment required depends on the trailer and braking system, so confirm the requirements before you tow.

For heavier towing applications, this should be treated as part of the initial towing setup rather than something to add after you've already started using the trailer.

4. Check Your Towball Download

The 1.5L Shark 6 owner's handbook specifies a maximum vertical load of 250 kg at the towball.

That doesn't mean every trailer should be loaded to 250 kg.

Your actual towball download depends on how the trailer is loaded and positioned, so check the trailer manufacturer's requirements as well as the vehicle's maximum.

For caravans and heavier trailers, this becomes particularly important because moving cargo inside the trailer can significantly change the load on the towball.

For the Shark 6 Performance, always check the specifications applicable to the 2.0L variant rather than relying on the 1.5L figures.

The BYD Shark 6 Pre-Tow Checklist

Before connecting your trailer and heading out, work through this checklist:

● Confirm your towing capacity: Make sure the trailer's loaded weight is within the applicable towing limit for your exact Shark 6 variant.

● Check braked or unbraked: The 1.5L Shark 6 is rated to 750 kg unbraked and up to 2,500 kg braked. The Shark 6 Performance has a maximum braked towing capacity of 3,500 kg.

● Check towball download: Keep the vertical load within the vehicle and towbar limits.

● Check the towbar rating: The towbar needs to be suitable for your vehicle and intended towing load.

● Check trailer brakes: If you're towing a braked trailer, confirm the braking system is working correctly.

● Check the electrical connection: Test indicators, brake lights, tail lights and other trailer electrical functions before leaving.

● Check tyre pressures: Adjust pressures according to the vehicle and trailer requirements for the load you're carrying.

● Secure the trailer: Confirm the coupling is correctly locked and any safety chains, plugs and connections are secure.

● Check your payload: Remember that passengers, luggage and accessories all contribute to the vehicle's overall load.

● Do a final walk-around: Check the towball, coupling, chains, electrical connection, trailer tyres and load before setting off.

BYD Shark 6 Accessories: What Should You Actually Buy?

There's no single “best” Shark 6 setup because the right equipment depends on what you're towing and how you're using the vehicle.

For a caravan or heavier trailer, prioritise:

1. Towbar

2. Correct trailer wiring

3. Brake controller where required

4. Towball/download check

5. Suspension assessment if regularly carrying heavy loads

For a work-focused Shark 6, consider:

1. Towbar

2. Tub storage or roller cover

3. Suspension

4. Canopy

5. Roof or trade rack

For an adventure/touring setup, consider:

1. Towbar

2. Roof rack or platform

3. Canopy or secure tub storage

4. Suspension

5. Underbody protection

6. Driving lights

This approach prevents you from spending money on accessories that don't actually improve the way you use your Shark 6.

BYD Shark 6 Towbar & Accessory Fitment in Sydney

Bars N Racks has more than 40 years of experience providing vehicle accessories, towing solutions and professional fitment.

The team offers Shark 6-specific equipment across towing, protection, suspension, storage and carrying solutions, with products available for different BYD Shark 6 variants.

Whether you're setting up a Shark 6 for towing a caravan, carrying work equipment or building an off-road touring vehicle, the goal is to make sure the accessories work together rather than treating each product as a separate purchase.

From selecting the right towbar through to professional installation and additional vehicle fitment, Bars N Racks can help you build a setup around how you actually use your Shark 6.

Get a free, model-specific quote → barsnracks.com.au/pages/get-a-quote

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can the BYD Shark 6 tow?

The 1.5L BYD Shark 6 is rated to tow up to 2,500 kg braked and up to 750 kg unbraked. The newer Shark 6 Performance, with its 2.0L turbocharged hybrid drivetrain, has a maximum braked towing capacity of 3,500 kg. Always check the specifications for your exact vehicle variant and trailer before towing.

What is the BYD Shark 6 towball weight limit?

The 1.5L BYD Shark 6 owner's handbook lists a maximum vertical load of 250 kg on the ball joint. Your actual allowable towball load should also be checked against the towbar and trailer specifications. For the Performance variant, check the specifications applicable to that model.

What is the BYD Shark 6 Performance towing capacity?

The 2.0L BYD Shark 6 Performance has a maximum braked towing capacity of 3,500 kg. It uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged hybrid drivetrain producing up to 350kW and 700Nm.

Does the BYD Shark 6 need a towbar for towing a caravan?

Yes. A properly rated and correctly fitted towbar is required to connect the caravan or trailer to the vehicle. The towing setup should also include the appropriate electrical connection and trailer braking equipment where required.

Can the BYD Shark 6 tow a 2,500 kg caravan?

The 1.5L Shark 6's maximum braked towing capacity is 2,500 kg, but that does not mean every 2,500 kg caravan is automatically suitable. You also need to consider the actual loaded trailer weight, towball download, vehicle payload, GVM and the caravan's specifications before towing.

The Shark 6 Performance has a higher 3,500 kg maximum braked towing capacity, but the same principle applies: the complete vehicle and trailer combination needs to remain within its applicable limits.

Does the BYD Shark 6 need a brake controller?

If you're towing a trailer that uses a braking system requiring a controller, the appropriate braking equipment needs to be installed and configured correctly. The exact requirements depend on the trailer and braking system, so confirm the setup before towing.

What should I fit first to a BYD Shark 6?

Start with the towing equipment: a correctly rated towbar, appropriate trailer wiring and any required braking equipment. Once those are sorted, consider suspension, storage, roof racks, protection and other accessories based on how you use the vehicle.

Can I fit suspension to my BYD Shark 6 for towing?

Yes. Suspension can be considered when the vehicle is regularly carrying heavy loads or towing. The setup should be selected around the vehicle's actual use rather than simply choosing the heaviest available option. Bars N Racks currently offers Shark 6-specific Ironman suspension options.

Does Bars N Racks sell accessories for the BYD Shark 6?

Yes. Bars N Racks currently lists Shark 6-specific towing, suspension, roof rack, canopy, roller cover, protection and other accessory options.

Can Bars N Racks fit a towbar to my BYD Shark 6 in Sydney?

Bars N Racks provides professional vehicle accessory and towing fitment from its Brookvale workshop in NSW. The best way to confirm the right setup for your Shark 6 is to request a model-specific quote.

What is the best BYD Shark 6 towing setup?

The right setup depends on what you're towing and how frequently you tow. For most owners, the starting point is a correctly rated towbar and electrical connection, followed by appropriate trailer braking equipment. Suspension and additional accessories can then be selected around your payload, towing frequency and intended use.