International CV Series

Quick Facts

Manufacturer: International Motors
Truck Class: Class 5 and Class 6 Commercial Truck
Common Configurations: Day Cab, Crew Cab, Chassis Cab, Dump Truck, Flatbed, Stake Bed, Service Body, Utility Truck, Tow Truck, Ambulance, Snowplow
Primary Applications: Landscaping, Construction Support, Towing and Recovery, Utility Service, Municipal Work, Snow Removal, Local Delivery, Emergency Services
Engine: International 6.6L V8 Turbocharged Diesel
Maximum Horsepower: Up to 350 horsepower
Maximum Torque: Up to 750 lb-ft
Transmission Options: Allison 6-Speed Automatic Transmissions
Axle Configurations: 4×2 and 4×4
GVWR Range: Approximately 15,000–23,500 lbs depending on configuration
Front Axle Capacity: Approximately 6,250–8,000 lbs
Rear Axle Capacity: Approximately 10,000–15,500 lbs
Cab Configurations: Day Cab and Crew Cab
Wheelbase Range: Approximately 165–243 inches depending on cab configuration
Brake System: Hydromax Hydraulic Brakes with ABS, Traction Control, and Electronic Stability Control
Production Status: Active Production

Overview

The International CV Series is a Class 5 and Class 6 commercial truck designed for businesses requiring more capability than a traditional pickup-based work truck while maintaining a manageable size for local roads, neighborhoods, and job sites.

The CV Series combines a commercial-grade frame, diesel engine, automatic transmission, hydraulic braking system, and body-builder-friendly chassis. It can support dump bodies, flatbeds, stake beds, service bodies, utility equipment, tow bodies, emergency equipment, and other specialized commercial installations.

Available in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations, the CV Series is particularly useful for landscaping, construction support, snow removal, towing, utility work, and municipal applications. Its smaller footprint makes it easier to operate in locations where a larger vocational truck may be difficult to maneuver.

The truck is also designed for commercial upfitting, with straight frame rails, a clean cab-to-axle area, multiple wheelbases, and available PTO equipment.

Key Characteristics

The International CV Series is built around commercial capability, vocational flexibility, and manageable operating dimensions.

Its high-strength frame rails support numerous commercial bodies and equipment installations. The forward-tilting hood provides access to the engine and routine service points, while the conventional cab offers a familiar driving position for operators transitioning from pickup trucks.

The 4×4 option makes the CV Series suitable for operations involving construction sites, snow-covered roads, rural properties, landscaping projects, and other environments requiring additional traction.

Key characteristics include:

Class 5 and Class 6 weight ratings
International 6.6L V8 turbocharged diesel engine
Up to 350 horsepower
Up to 750 lb-ft of torque
Allison automatic transmission options
Available 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains
Day Cab and Crew Cab configurations
High-strength commercial frame rails
Straight frame design for easier body installation
Hydraulic braking system with ABS
Optional air suspension
Available transmission-mounted PTO
Multiple wheelbase configurations
Commercial and vocational body compatibility

Common Specifications

Engine

The International CV Series uses an International 6.6L V8 turbocharged diesel engine. The engine is rated at up to approximately 350 horsepower and 750 lb-ft of torque, depending on the truck’s model year and specifications.

The engine is designed to provide the low-speed torque required for towing, carrying equipment, operating on job sites, and moving heavily equipped commercial bodies.

Available features may include a diesel exhaust brake, an engine-mounted air compressor, remote starting equipment, and an engine block heater.

Additional information about commercial diesel powertrains is available in How Diesel Truck Engines Work and Understanding Horsepower vs Torque.

Transmission

The CV Series is commonly equipped with an Allison six-speed automatic transmission.

Available Allison transmission families can include the 1700, 1750, 2700, and 2750 Series, depending on application requirements and vocational programming.

Automatic transmissions reduce driver workload during stop-and-go operations and can be configured for delivery, towing, emergency service, dump, snow-removal, and other vocational applications.

More information about commercial transmission types is available through the Transmissions equipment section.

Axle Configurations

The International CV Series is available in 4×2 and 4×4 axle configurations.

The 4×2 configuration is well suited for paved-road delivery, towing, landscaping, service, and municipal operations.

The 4×4 configuration provides additional traction for construction sites, snow removal, rural service calls, utility operations, and other applications involving loose or slippery surfaces.

GVWR

The CV Series has a GVWR range of approximately 15,000–23,500 pounds, depending on the selected axle configuration and chassis specifications.

Typical 4×2 configurations range from approximately 15,000–23,500 pounds GVWR.

Typical 4×4 configurations range from approximately 17,500–23,000 pounds GVWR.

The truck’s usable payload is lower than its GVWR because the weight of the chassis, fuel, driver, passengers, commercial body, tools, equipment, and accessories must be deducted from the total rating.

Front Axle

Available front axle ratings generally range from approximately 6,250–8,000 pounds.

The 4×4 configuration commonly uses a driven front axle rated at approximately 7,500 pounds.

Rear Axle

The CV Series uses a single rear axle with ratings generally ranging from approximately 10,000–15,500 pounds.

The correct rear axle must be selected according to the completed truck weight, cargo, towing requirements, and vocational equipment.

Cab Configurations

The International CV Series is available with Day Cab and Crew Cab configurations.

The Day Cab provides seating for smaller crews while allowing more chassis length to be used for the commercial body.

The Crew Cab provides additional seating for landscaping crews, construction workers, emergency personnel, municipal employees, utility technicians, and service teams.

Wheelbase Options

Day Cab wheelbase options generally range from approximately 165–243 inches.

Crew Cab wheelbase options generally range from approximately 175–235 inches.

The correct wheelbase depends on cab style, body length, equipment placement, turning requirements, axle loading, and weight distribution.

Frame

The CV Series uses high-strength, low-alloy steel frame rails rated at approximately 50,000 PSI.

Straight frame rails and a clean top flange make it easier for commercial body manufacturers to install dump bodies, flatbeds, service bodies, tow equipment, utility bodies, and emergency equipment.

Braking System

The International CV Series uses a commercial-grade Hydromax hydraulic braking system with four-channel ABS, traction control, electronic stability control, and trailer-sway-control capability.

This hydraulic system differs from the air brake systems commonly found on larger Class 7 and Class 8 trucks.

Suspension

Standard rear suspension options include commercial-grade spring suspensions.

Available options may include International Ride Optimized Suspension air suspension and LiquidSpring suspension, depending on the selected configuration.

Air or LiquidSpring suspension can improve ride quality for passengers, emergency patients, sensitive cargo, tools, and specialized equipment.

PTO Availability

A transmission-mounted power take-off can be installed on properly equipped configurations.

The PTO can power hydraulic pumps used by dump bodies, tow equipment, cranes, snowplows, spreaders, service bodies, and other vocational equipment.

More information is available in PTO Systems Explained.

Common Applications

The International CV Series can support numerous commercial and vocational applications.

Landscaping operations

Dump truck applications

Stake-bed hauling

Flatbed operations

Construction support

Snowplow operations

Salt-spreader trucks

Tow trucks

Rollback vehicle carriers

Utility service vehicles

Municipal maintenance trucks

Emergency medical vehicles

Ambulances

Service-body trucks

Mobile repair vehicles

Local delivery

Agricultural support

Equipment transport

Roadside assistance

Telecommunications service

The correct body and chassis configuration depends on payload, equipment weight, axle placement, wheelbase, operating environment, and whether the truck requires a PTO system.

Advantages

The International CV Series offers several advantages for commercial operators.

Available 4×4 drivetrain

Commercial-grade frame construction

Powerful V8 turbocharged diesel engine

Up to 350 horsepower

Up to 750 lb-ft of torque

Allison automatic transmission availability

Day Cab and Crew Cab options

Strong vocational body compatibility

Straight frame rails for easier upfitting

Forward-tilting hood for service access

Manageable size for neighborhoods and urban streets

Optional air suspension

Available PTO compatibility

Commercial hydraulic braking system

Strong suitability for snow removal

Flexible wheelbase options

Suitable for towing and recovery equipment

Limitations or Considerations

The CV Series also has limitations that buyers should consider.

Lower GVWR than larger Class 7 vocational trucks

Less payload capacity after installing heavy commercial equipment

Single rear axle limits maximum carrying capacity

Not intended for Class 8 freight or severe heavy-haul operations

Crew Cab configurations add weight and reduce available chassis space

A longer wheelbase can reduce maneuverability

Four-wheel-drive components can increase purchase and maintenance costs

Modern diesel emissions systems require proper operation and maintenance

Heavy bodies can place the truck near its axle or tire ratings

Specialized upfits can substantially increase purchase cost

PTO and hydraulic equipment require additional maintenance

The CV Series is best selected after comparing the completed body weight, cargo, tools, passengers, and equipment against the truck’s available payload capacity.

Driver and Operator Experience

The International CV Series provides a driving experience that is closer to a heavy-duty pickup than a full-size Class 7 or Class 8 commercial truck.

Its conventional hood, automatic transmission, hydraulic brakes, and available rear-view camera can make the truck easier for drivers to operate in neighborhoods, construction sites, parking areas, and narrow streets.

The cab includes durable controls designed for operators wearing work gloves. Available seating, storage, center-console, remote-start, and interior-trim options allow businesses to configure the truck around daily working conditions.

The Crew Cab provides additional seating for work crews, emergency personnel, landscaping teams, and utility technicians.

Ride quality depends on the wheelbase, suspension, commercial body, tire specifications, and loaded weight. Available air or LiquidSpring suspension can improve comfort for crews, passengers, and sensitive cargo.

Maintenance and Ownership Notes

The forward-tilting hood provides access to the engine and routine service points. This arrangement can simplify inspections and scheduled maintenance compared with commercial trucks that require more complicated cab or body access.

Routine maintenance should include:

Engine oil and filter changes

Fuel filter replacement

Cooling-system inspection

Allison transmission service

Hydraulic brake inspection

Tire-pressure and tread inspection

Steering and suspension inspection

Four-wheel-drive system maintenance when equipped

Transfer-case inspection on 4×4 trucks

Front and rear axle service

Battery and charging-system testing

Diesel emissions-system maintenance

Body-mount inspection

PTO and hydraulic-system inspection

Snowplow and salt-spreader maintenance

Tow-body or rollback-equipment inspection

Dump-body hinge and hydraulic-cylinder inspection

The CV Series uses a modern diesel aftertreatment system. Operators should understand regeneration procedures and respond promptly to warning lights. Additional information is available in Diesel Emissions Systems Explained.

Trucks used for snow removal should receive additional inspection for road-salt corrosion, electrical-connector damage, brake wear, frame corrosion, hydraulic leaks, and plow-mount fatigue.

Buying Considerations

Before purchasing an International CV Series truck, buyers should calculate the completed vehicle’s weight rather than relying only on the bare chassis rating.

Important considerations include:

Required GVWR

Expected payload

Commercial-body weight

Day Cab or Crew Cab selection

4×2 or 4×4 drivetrain

Wheelbase requirements

Front and rear axle ratings

Tire and wheel capacities

Suspension selection

Hydraulic equipment

PTO requirements

Trailer weight

Towing and recovery equipment

Snowplow and spreader weight

Tool and material storage

Driver and passenger capacity

Operating environment

Dealer and service availability

Used-truck maintenance history

Remaining warranty coverage

A dump body, tow body, crane, snowplow, service body, or hydraulic system can add substantial weight before cargo or tools are loaded. Buyers should obtain the completed truck’s empty weight and individual axle weights before calculating usable payload.

The How to Choose the Right Commercial Truck guide can help buyers compare vehicle classes, payload, body requirements, and operating conditions.

Variants and Configurations

The International CV Series can be configured for many commercial applications.

Day Cab chassis
Crew Cab chassis
4×2 truck
4×4 truck
Dump truck
Landscape dump truck
Flatbed truck
Stake-bed truck
Service-body truck
Utility truck
Tow truck
Rollback carrier
Snowplow truck
Salt-spreader truck
Ambulance chassis
Municipal service truck
Construction-support truck
Agricultural service truck
Mobile-repair truck
Delivery truck

Comparison to Similar Trucks

The International CV Series is commonly compared with the Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD because the platforms share major design and powertrain characteristics.

It also competes with commercial chassis such as the Ford F-450, Ford F-550, Ford F-600, Ram 4500, Ram 5500, and larger medium-duty trucks such as the Freightliner M2 106.

Compared with lighter pickup-based chassis, the CV Series offers commercial-grade frame, transmission, axle, suspension, and braking components designed for vocational applications.

Compared with the larger International MV Series, the CV Series offers a smaller footprint, available 4×4 capability, and easier operation in neighborhoods and confined job sites. The MV Series provides higher GVWR, axle capacity, body capacity, and heavier vocational capability.

Compared with a larger Class 6 or Class 7 conventional truck, the CV Series is generally easier to maneuver but provides less total payload and vocational capacity.

Best Fit For

Landscaping companies
Construction contractors
Snow-removal businesses
Towing and recovery companies
Utility contractors
Municipal departments
Emergency medical services
Roadside-assistance companies
Mobile repair operations
Agricultural businesses
Telecommunications contractors
Commercial service fleets
Businesses needing a Crew Cab work truck
Operators requiring commercial 4×4 capability
Businesses outgrowing a traditional pickup truck

Regulatory and Compliance Notes

The International CV Series is subject to federal, state, and local commercial-vehicle regulations based on GVWR, gross combined weight rating, trailer weight, cargo, passenger capacity, and business use.

Operators should monitor:

Registered vehicle weight
Actual loaded vehicle weight
Front and rear axle weights
Driver-license requirements
Medical-card requirements
USDOT registration requirements
Vehicle inspection rules
Commercial insurance requirements
Trailer and combined weight ratings
Cargo-securement requirements
Hazardous-material regulations when applicable
Snowplow width and lighting requirements
Tow-truck operating requirements
Emergency-vehicle regulations
State and local commercial-vehicle rules

Some CV Series configurations may remain below the federal 26,001-pound CDL threshold. However, trailer weight, combined ratings, hazardous materials, passenger use, and state regulations can still create CDL or endorsement requirements.

Operators should verify applicable requirements rather than assuming that every CV Series configuration can be operated without a CDL.

Real World Operating Notes

The International CV Series works best when the chassis is specified around the completed body and daily operating weight.

A landscape dump truck requires different axle, suspension, wheelbase, and PTO specifications than an ambulance, rollback carrier, service truck, or snowplow.

The available 4×4 drivetrain makes the CV Series particularly useful for snow removal, construction support, rural utilities, landscaping, and agricultural operations. However, operators should remember that four-wheel drive improves traction but does not increase the truck’s GVWR or axle capacities.

Snowplows, salt spreaders, cranes, tool compartments, towing equipment, hydraulic systems, and Crew Cabs can reduce the truck’s available payload significantly.

Operators should also monitor weight distribution. A truck can remain below its total GVWR while exceeding its front axle, rear axle, tire, wheel, or suspension rating.

Businesses using PTO-powered equipment should follow appropriate maintenance and operating procedures described in PTO Systems Explained.

Related Truck Types

Related Freight Types

Related Trailer Types

Related Equipment Systems

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What class of truck is the International CV Series?

The International CV Series includes Class 5 and Class 6 commercial truck configurations with GVWR ratings ranging from approximately 15,000–23,500 pounds.

What engine does the International CV Series use?

The CV Series uses an International 6.6L V8 turbocharged diesel engine producing up to approximately 350 horsepower and 750 lb-ft of torque.

Is the International CV Series available with four-wheel drive?

Yes. The CV Series is available in both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations.

What transmission is used in the International CV Series?

The CV Series commonly uses an Allison six-speed automatic transmission. Available transmission models depend on the truck’s specifications and vocational application.

What is the maximum GVWR of the International CV Series?

The maximum GVWR is approximately 23,500 pounds for applicable 4×2 configurations. Maximum ratings vary according to drivetrain, axle, suspension, tire, and chassis specifications.

Does the International CV Series require a CDL?

Many configurations remain below the 26,001-pound federal CDL threshold. However, a CDL may still be required because of trailer weight, combined vehicle rating, hazardous materials, passenger capacity, or state regulations.

Can the International CV Series use a PTO?

Yes. A transmission-mounted PTO is available on properly equipped transmission configurations.

Is the CV Series suitable for snowplow work?

Yes. Its available 4×4 drivetrain, commercial frame, diesel engine, hydraulic braking system, and vocational equipment compatibility make it well suited for snowplow and salt-spreader applications.

Can the International CV Series be configured as a tow truck?

Yes. The CV Series can support wheel-lift, conventional wrecker, and rollback-carrier configurations when properly specified for the equipment and expected vehicle weight.

What is the difference between the International CV and MV Series?

The CV Series is a smaller Class 5–6 platform designed for applications such as landscaping, towing, snow removal, service work, and municipal operations. The MV Series provides higher weight ratings and greater capacity for heavier delivery and vocational applications.

Availability and Where to Find

New International CV Series trucks can be purchased or ordered through authorized International dealerships. Availability depends on cab configuration, drivetrain, wheelbase, axle ratings, transmission, suspension, and commercial-body requirements.

Used CV Series trucks may be available through International dealerships, commercial-truck dealers, fleet-retirement sales, equipment auctions, and online commercial-vehicle marketplaces.

When evaluating a used CV Series truck, buyers should inspect the engine, transmission, diesel emissions system, hydraulic brakes, frame, suspension, axles, tires, four-wheel-drive components, transfer case, electrical system, and installed commercial equipment.

Maintenance records should be reviewed closely on trucks previously used for snow removal, towing, landscaping, construction, or other demanding vocational applications.

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