Transfer tank

[daveinaz]

Our dually came with an aluminum Better Built 75 gallon transfer tank/box combo. We bought it last fall and what fuel that's in it was from the previous owner. About a month ago I pumped ten gallons or so from it into the truck tank. Not sure if it was a coincidence or not, but shortly thereafter I got the water in fuel light on the dash. I drained the water from fuel filter and then replaced the fuel filter.

Anyway, I was going to pump out all the fuel from the transfer tank and put it through a water separating filter. Looking in the tank there appears to be about 4" of fuel in the bottom of the tank. I can also see a little water (maybe 1/2 a cup) under the fuel. Problem is, the pump would suck it up. I'm wondering if the intake of the pump is clogged or if the pick up pipe simply doesn't go down far enough. Are these pick up pipes intentionally left a few inches from the bottom so they don't suck up water and dirt from the bottom of the tank?

I guess I should just hand siphon all of the fuel that I can get out of it and get wrap a rag on a stick and sop up the rest??

I'm also debating whether to keep the tank/box in the truck. It takes up most of the space in front of the hitch. I'm wondering if I even need it and whether it'd be better to take it out and regain the space.