The BYD Shark 6 tri-fold hard lid has a different mounting detail from many other utes: its factory tub has deep rear corners beside the tailgate opening. That matters when fitting a cover with centrally positioned clamps. On UniUte's vehicle-specific BYD Shark 6 tri-fold hard lid (SKU PW05963101), the supplied small mounting brackets create the clamping surface needed at the rear.
Once those brackets are installed, the aluminium cover can be removed and refitted quickly, leaving just the small brackets on the ute. This guide explains the distinction between initial installation and everyday removal so you know what will remain on your Shark 6 before you order.
Why does the BYD Shark 6 need rear brackets?
On many utes, the upper tub edge already presents a suitable surface for a tonneau cover's clamps. The Shark 6 differs: the rear corners around the tailgate portal are unusually deep. The clamps on this tri-fold model are positioned centrally on the folding panels, so simply placing the assembled cover on the factory tub does not provide a suitable clamp surface at those rear positions.
The supplied brackets bridge that mounting issue. They are part of the intended installation, not an optional extra. A statement that this particular cover can always be installed on a factory Shark 6 without the brackets would ignore that tub geometry. Other Shark 6 covers may use different mounting methods; always compare the exact product and mounting system, not just a similar-looking photo.
What tools and modifications are needed?
The UniUte hard tri-fold kit includes the brackets required for its intended Shark 6 installation. The brackets bolt to existing factory mounting holes, reusing the original Shark bolts. For the initial bracket installation, you need a T40 TORX bit to undo the factory bolts and refit them with the brackets positioned as instructed.
- Drilling: not required for this supplied-bracket installation.
- Cutting or trimming: not required to the factory tub or tub liner.
- Permanent modifications: none are needed for these mounting brackets.
- Full-length side tracks: not required; this is a folding cover rather than a roller shutter.
Follow the fitting guide included or linked with the exact product. Avoid substituting other brackets or fastening into a different location merely because it appears convenient.
Does the hard lid arrive fully assembled?
Yes. The hard tri-fold cover itself arrives assembled. The initial job is preparing the Shark 6 tub with the supplied brackets, then positioning and securing the cover correctly. Check that the folding panels, seals, clamps and tailgate operate without interference before use.
Because it is a substantial aluminium cover, use two people when lifting the whole assembly onto or off the vehicle. Having another person steady the cover helps protect the panels, finish and vehicle during removal.
Can I remove the whole cover without tools?
Yes, after initial fitting. Once the tub brackets are installed, the complete tri-fold assembly can be detached from its clamps and reinstalled in under five minutes when you are familiar with the process. You do not need to take the small rear brackets off each time you carry an oversized load.
When the cover is removed, the small mounting brackets remain bolted to the ute. They are not a full-length rail system and they do not turn the tub into a roller-shutter installation. If you want the tub returned completely to its factory configuration, the brackets themselves can also be removed by undoing those factory bolts with the T40 bit.
Does the cover still fold for everyday tub access?
Yes. Folding the panels back is the normal way to access part of the tub. Complete removal is useful when the load is too tall for the closed lid or when you need the whole opening clear. Always use the manufacturer's specified restraints and operating positions. Do not assume that any partly folded position is safe for driving unless the supplied instructions explicitly permit and secure it.
What about security, weather sealing and other tub accessories?
The rigid panels and internal release points provide a different level of physical protection from a soft tonneau, but no tub cover should be described as theft-proof. Close and latch the cover properly, and lock the tailgate where applicable. The perimeter seals help protect cargo from normal weather exposure, but water and dust resistance depend on installation, seal condition and the tub itself.
If the ute also has a tub liner, sports bar, rack or other equipment around the rail or tailgate area, check the whole accessory combination before purchasing. A rack or bar that uses the same mounting surface can prevent correct clamping even when each accessory fits the vehicle individually.
BYD Shark 6 tri-fold installation checklist
- Confirm the product is the UniUte BYD Shark 6 2025+ hard tri-fold and check its current fitment notes.
- Inspect the tub rear corners and identify the factory bolts used for the supplied brackets.
- Install the brackets at the specified mounting positions using the original bolts and the T40 TORX bit.
- With a helper, position the assembled cover and secure every clamp as shown in the product fitting guide.
- Check seals, tailgate clearance, full closure and panel movement without forcing any component.
- For future removal, release the cover clamps while leaving the small brackets in place.
This is a buyer's fitting overview, not a replacement for the product-specific illustrated instructions. If anything on your tub differs from the supplied guide, stop and confirm the correct mounting method before proceeding.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fit the UniUte Shark 6 hard tri-fold with no brackets?
No. The supplied rear brackets are required for this particular model because of the Shark 6's rear tub geometry and the cover's clamp positions.
Will I have to drill the Shark 6 tub?
No. The brackets use existing factory mounting holes and bolts. No drilling or cutting is required for this installation.
How long does removal take?
Once the original fitting is complete, removing or reinstalling the assembled cover can take under five minutes for someone familiar with the clamps. Have a second person assist with lifting.
Will the tub be completely factory-original when the cover is off?
The small brackets stay bolted to the tub during normal cover removal. They can be unbolted separately if you want to return the tub to its factory configuration.
Is this the same as fitting a Shark 6 roller shutter?
No. A roller shutter uses a different rail and retracting mechanism. This guide applies to UniUte's specific folding hard lid, SKU PW05963101.
Explore BYD Shark 6 cover options
See the BYD Shark 6 tri-fold hard lid for current stock, price, images and its fitting guide. If you prefer four folding panels, compare our Shark 6 quad-fold hard lid, but do not assume the installation hardware is identical. For other opening systems, browse all BYD Shark 6 accessories and our Shark 6 accessories guide.