2019 International MV Battery Size, Group & Replacement Guide

As an ASE-certified master technician, I regularly service medium-duty commercial trucks, and the 2019 International MV series is a frequent visitor to the bay. Whether your MV is equipped with the Cummins B6.7 or L9 engine, having a robust and reliable battery bank is critical to keep your fleet on the road. Because this is a commercial chassis used for everything from box trucks to utility cranes, its electrical demands are massive.

Here is the comprehensive guide to understanding, testing, and replacing the batteries in your 2019 International MV.

Quick answer: 2019 International MV Battery Specs

• BCI Group Size: Group 31
• Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): 700 to 1000+ CCA per battery. (Total system CCA typically ranges from 1800 to 3000 CCA depending on the number of batteries).
• Reserve Capacity: 190 to 205 minutes per battery.
• Multi-Battery Setup: Yes. The 2019 International MV utilizes a parallel battery bank, typically requiring two, three, or even four Group 31 batteries depending on the specific engine, climate package, and upfitter accessories (like liftgates or PTOs).
• Terminal Layout: Typically 3/8-inch threaded stud terminals (common for heavy-duty commercial trucks), though standard SAE top posts are occasionally used depending on the fleet spec. Center-aligned posts.
• AGM vs. Flooded: Heavy-duty conventional flooded batteries are standard from the factory, but AGM upgrades are highly recommended for high-vibration applications.
• Physical Dimensions (Group 31): Approximately 13.0" L x 6.8" W x 9.4" H per battery.

Replacement battery options

When replacing batteries in a multi-battery bank, you must replace all batteries at the same time. Mixing old and new batteries will cause the older units to draw down the new ones, leading to premature failure. Here are some of the most reliable Group 31 replacement options for the International MV:

• Interstate Workaholic 31-MHD: A commercial-grade flooded battery offering 950 CCA. An industry standard for medium and heavy-duty fleets.
• Odyssey Extreme ODX-AGM31 (formerly 31-PC2150): A premium AGM option boasting 1150 CCA. Exceptional for extreme cold and high accessory loads.
• Optima YellowTop D31T: A dual-purpose AGM battery with threaded studs, offering 900 CCA and excellent deep-cycle capabilities for trucks with liftgates or heavy parasitic draws.
• ACDelco Gold 31S (Stud Terminal): A dependable flooded heavy-duty commercial battery offering 925 CCA, built to withstand daily fleet abuse.

AGM vs flooded — which does this vehicle need?

From the factory, most 2019 International MV trucks roll off the line with conventional flooded lead-acid batteries. If you are doing basic P&D (pickup and delivery) driving without extensive upfitter electrical accessories, high-quality flooded heavy-duty batteries are perfectly adequate and cost-effective.

However, an upgrade to AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) is strongly recommended if your MV falls into any of these categories:

1. High Vibration: If the truck is used in construction, logging, or frequently travels on unpaved roads, AGM batteries are much more resistant to vibration damage.
2. Heavy Accessory Loads: Liftgates, PTO systems, cranes, inverters, and heavy emergency lighting will benefit from the deep-cycling capabilities of AGM batteries.
3. Extreme Climates: AGMs handle extreme heat and freezing temperatures better than flooded counterparts.

Post-installation relearn / reset procedure

Unlike modern luxury passenger cars, the 2019 International MV does not typically require a computerized "battery registration" via an OBD2 scanner. However, after disconnecting the battery bank, you should follow these steps:

1. Check Engine Codes: A low voltage state prior to replacement may have triggered spurious fault codes in the Cummins ECM or Allison TCM. Clear these with a heavy-duty scanner if a check engine light remains on.
2. Dash Modules & Clocks: Reset the time on the dash gauge cluster and the radio.
3. PTO / Upfitter Modules: If your truck has aftermarket body control modules (like a crane or bucket truck system), you may need to cycle the power switch or perform a basic initialization sequence as per the upfitter's manual.
4. Idle Relearn: Start the truck and let it idle for 5–10 minutes so the engine control module can adjust to the new, stable voltage.

Signs of a failing battery

Commercial trucks will usually give you warning signs before leaving you stranded. Look out for:

• Slow Engine Crank: The Cummins B6.7 or L9 requires massive amperage to turn over. If the starter drags or hesitates, the battery bank is likely weak.
• Starter Solenoid Clicking: A rapid clicking sound when turning the key indicates insufficient voltage to engage the starter.
• Low Voltage on the Dash Gauge: The voltmeter should read around 14.0V–14.4V while driving. If it drops below 12V with the engine off, the batteries are not holding a charge.
• Dimming Lights: Headlights or cab lights that dim significantly when using the liftgate or cranking the engine.

Common battery issues for this generation

For the 2019 International MV, the most common battery-related issues don't always stem from the batteries themselves, but from the battery box environment.

First, corrosion on the interconnecting jumper cables is a massive issue. Because these batteries are wired in parallel, a corroded jumper cable can isolate one battery, forcing the remaining batteries to do all the work, which kills them rapidly. Second, vibration damage to internal battery plates is common if the battery hold-down brackets come loose. Always ensure the lockdown straps or brackets are torqued properly during replacement. Lastly, ensure the battery box cover is secure to protect the terminals from road salt and debris.

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