2019 Peterbilt 579 Battery Size & Group

Quick answer

• BCI Group Size: Group 31 (typically three to four batteries)
• CCA Rating: 900-1100 CCA per battery (minimum for a single battery in a multi-battery setup)
• Reserve Capacity: 170-200 minutes per battery
• AGM vs. Flooded: Peterbilt 579s generally come with flooded lead-acid batteries from the factory. While AGMs offer benefits like vibration resistance and longer life, ensure your charging system is compatible if switching. Consult your Peterbilt dealer or a qualified technician.
• Terminal Layout: Typically SAE post terminals, top-post design.
• Physical Dimensions (Group 31): Approximately 13 inches (L) x 6.8 inches (W) x 9.4 inches (H)
• Dual-Battery Setup: The 2019 Peterbilt 579, as a heavy-duty diesel truck, utilizes a multi-battery setup, commonly three or four Group 31 batteries wired in parallel for increased cranking power and reserve capacity.

Replacement battery options

Finding specific part numbers can vary by retailer and battery brand. Always verify the BCI Group 31 size and CCA rating when purchasing a replacement.

• Interstate: Look for batteries in their heavy-duty commercial line, such as the Interstate MT31P or similar Group 31 options engineered for commercial trucks.
• Optima: While Optima offers excellent AGM batteries, their Group 31 offerings for heavy-duty commercial use might be less common than traditional flooded options. If available, an Optima YellowTop Group 31 could be an option for its deep cycling and starting power.
• DieHard: Look for DieHard Commercial Group 31 batteries. Their platinum series or heavy-duty offerings are designed for demanding applications.
• Odyssey: Odyssey offers robust AGM Group 31 batteries like the Odyssey 31-PC2150S which provides high CCAs and a long service life, suitable for heavy-duty applications.
• ACDelco: ACDelco offers Group 31 Professional or Heavy-Duty batteries designed for commercial vehicles.

AGM vs. flooded — which does this vehicle need?

The 2019 Peterbilt 579 typically comes equipped with conventional flooded lead-acid batteries from the factory. These are reliable and cost-effective for the demanding environment of a commercial truck. Flooded batteries require occasional maintenance, such as checking and topping off electrolyte levels.

AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries offer several advantages for heavy-duty trucks. They are spill-proof, more resistant to vibration (a major plus in a truck), and generally have a longer lifespan. They also maintain a higher voltage throughout their discharge cycle. However, AGM batteries are more expensive upfront. If you choose to switch to AGM, it's crucial to ensure your truck's charging system is compatible. Some charging systems may need to be adjusted or are specifically designed for flooded batteries. Consult with a Peterbilt dealer or a heavy-duty electrical technician to confirm compatibility before making the switch.

Post-installation relearn / reset procedure

After disconnecting and replacing the batteries in a 2019 Peterbilt 579, a