Supercharger add-on

I have a 2011 V6 TRD off-road w/standard transmission. It doesn't have the towing capacity that I need and I was told that the addition of a supercharger would solve that problem, but it might open up a can of worms with compression and gas mileage.
Toyota no longer makes a supercharger, and the new off-road Tacomas don't come with a standard transmission, so this seems to be my only option.


The Magnuson Supercharger System fits my Toyota.
Has anyone any experience with a supercharger as an add-on?

 

The supercharger won’t increase your towing capacity. However, it may make it easier to tow.

What are you trying to tow?

 

Welcome

 

Of course mileage will suffer a bit. You will be hitting the skinny pedal much harder to hear that beautiful whine. Still miss mine. Compression wise the 4.0 can handle the Magnuson just fine with the ecu flashed. Keep in mind that it will require premium gas after install.

 

New tacomas definitely have manual trans as an option. Just ask any of the guys on here that drive one...wait you won't have to they'll make damn sure you know it.

 

I don't understand this statement. In the US you can indeed buy a Tacoma Off-Road with a manual transmission.

 

I added a Magnuson S/C a few years back to mine. Also did the 2.8" underdrive pulley and AEM meth injection. Gas mileage did suffer but it was because I added a whole bunch of other stuff to the truck too(4x4 conversion, skid plates, roof rack and bed bar). 5540lbs with a full tank and me in it. I traded miles for smiles though. Pulls really hard and tows a 3500lb camper like nothing.

 

More power isnt going to make you able to safely tow anything bigger. There are other drastic limitations you can not overcome like braking, weight of the vehicle etc.

If you think you need more power, you need a bigger truck plain n simple.

 

I agree although a supercharger is cheaper than a new truck I think... well maybe if it's not a Toyota it'd be cheaper.

Feel free to message me directly with questions about the supercharger @browntruck

 

I have an 05 with TRD SC along with 4.56 gearing and I tow 4-6k lbs a few times a year. It can go from A to B, but does not come close to what a true full size V8 truck can do. Will it help the situation? Sure, but you'll most likely still yearn for that full size truck capability. I'm hanging onto my Tacoma only bc I don't want a full size truck.

 

Welcome!
What are you towing?
How much weight are you towing?
Is your Tacoma brown?

 

I think it depends on the layout of the Off Road version you want. When I tried to build one, it did have a manual option, but only in the Double Cab Short Bed configuration. Not the long bed or access cab. How often are you looking to do this towing?

 

Do you not have the tow package? I was thinking all TRD OffRoads came standard with it.
Tow package trucks are rated for 6400#, not that they like towing that much but that is what they are rated for when using trailer brakes.

Really the only differences between trucks with and without the tow package is a larger battery, larger alternator, engine oil cooler, transmission oil cooler (A/T only), class 4 hitch, and a 7 way trailer plug prewired for a trailer brake controller. Otherwise they are mechanically the same.

 

You can tow up to 6500lbs, not sure who told you it was 3500.

 

I believe the fan clutch is different too? (Tow package is Pink)

I think OP would probably be just fine towing with the current truck as long as he has a good hitch and trailer brakes.

Worst case, add the oil cooler and drag it. I don’t think there will be any problems. Especially since it is a Manual Transmission.

 

I’ll be honest, I just installed a s/c specifically to help with towing my dad’s 27’ trailer. I haven’t had a chance to hook up the trailer yet, so my input may be worthless, but wanted to share a couple other things. I routinely pull close to rated towing capacity. I know… that’s not the safest. I hope the s/c helps as I’m of the same mindset/curiosity regarding power for towing as the OP.
For safety, well adjusted trailer brakes help, but the thing that COMPLETELY changes any “bumper” towing experience is a Hensley hitch. Look them up, watch the videos, read about the design, hear the testimonials. They are no joke. I’ve had all of the great experiences others claim, and the performance is incredible, I’ve tested it with hard swerving, cross winds, oncoming passing semis, etc. The Hensley is expensive, but we got it from them as “factory refurbished,” so it had a bit of a discount. Read below for details of what I pull.

More of my experience (I always type too much, sorry): Without the s/c I did ok, probably better than ok since I always got where I wanted and didn’t have a line of other trailers backed up behind me. I MAY have pushed it a lot harder than I probably should have though! I live at 4800 feet and go above that for about every trip. I sometimes even put a full size Atv in the back while hooked to the trailer (27’, no slide outs, so it’s a little lighter). I also don’t plan to go full size. Had a 6.0 2003 Silverado super sport previously. Power was great but it didn’t want to fit in the garage real well and, believe it or not, my Tacoma pulls the trailer with a more comfortable ride, especially with the Hensley). The Tacoma also is nice in tight spots like small trails (or the mall parking lot! Full size power would be nice, but I feel the Tacoma DCSB is exactly what I want… so again for the third time, I hope the s/c helps with power a bit.

 

Sub_Par Thank you. I had been checking Tacoma tow rating, not the TRD Off-Road tow rating. Which is, as you said, 6500 lbs.
So, ya, that solves that issue. I'm a dumbass.

 

Musubi3 Yep, brown. A color Toyota no longer offers.
But, turns out I was checking the tow rating for the wrong model. The TRD Off-Road tow rating is 6500 lbs, not the 3500 I mistakenly thought.

 

All good man. We’re all new at some point. You’ve got the tow package and as long as your not towing near the limit all the time, you’ll be fine.

 

Sub_Par Thanks again. Trailer dry weight is less than 2900 lbs. I bought it a year ago and in the meantime redesigned/rebuilt the dining and sleeping ends.
Knowing that this truck will do what I want it to do is just a HUGE relief.