I bought a 71 hilux a few months ago that included a camper. I decided to remove the camper for a while because I wanted to see the condition of the truck box. After removing, I noticed a compartment on the driver side of the box at the very front. It has four bolts holding a cover over the compartment. After removing the cover I found a black plastic box looking thing that has a red hose going into it and one going out of it. There is also a hose that is connected to the cover that runs vertically, at the end of the hose is what looks like an in-line fuel filter but no hose connected to the other end. I am puzzled by this discovering. I am assuming it has to do with the fuel system but not sure what its purpose is. I have looked in my hilux books to see if they mention anything about this compartment or the mysterious black plastic box that seems to function as a filter. The previous owner did put a second fuel tank on the pickup and I would assume this has something to do with his modifications but the cover and black box look factory to be something that an old farmer installed. Does anyone else have this compartment on their truck? An ideas what it is for and what kind of maintenance it needs?

Thanks

 

Could it ba a fresh water tank, or a gray water tank for the sink in the camper? I'll bet the hose with a filter is just a vent line and the filter keeps the bugs and dirt out.

 

ya its possible. There is a small tank that was installed directly below this area. I thought it had something to do with the fuel but it could be water. The guy also installed a second gas tank...where the spare tire would go, last time I had it on a lift it looked as though the third (small tank) was plumbed in with the original fuel tank and second fuel tank. The second tank started leaking so I'm just going to remove it and possibly the third one as well...I don't see the point of having it. Once I do remove the tank I'm going to need a spare tire hanger..so if you ever come across one let me know. Thanks geonbugman

 

I was able to put the truck on a lift tonight and did some looking. What I found was the smaller tank next to the original gas tank is a vapor collection tank, it has a line that runs to a small black box in the engine compartment which is the vacuum distribution box. I may look into removing the small tank because it is lower than the truck bed panel...but not sure what will happen if I do remove it. I have a feeling it would be best to leave as is and just live with the ugly tank showing.