Commercial Grade Truck Comparison Guide
How do the International CV, Ford F-550 and Ram 5500 trucks compare? The International CV is the newest entrant in this 3-ton truck model class and we compare it to it’s Ford and Ram rivals. All three models offer a combination of GVW payload capacity, maneuverability, driver comfort and up fitting options. These trucks are ideal as Box Trucks, Refrigerated Trucks, Dump trucks, tow trucks, service trucks, plow trucks and more. Everything you need to make an informed buying decision for a commercial 3-ton truck is in this guide. Make an informed commercial duty truck buying decision - check out this guide before you buy.
Visibility and Glass
International CV Series
Driver's Side Rear: 136"
Driver's Side Forward: 207"
Forward Straight Ahead: 442"
Forward Over Center: 483"
Forward at Hood Corner: 517"
Passenger Side Forward: 384"
Passenger Side Rear: 383"
Windshield Design: 1-piece
Windshield Rake Angle: 34 degrees
Windshield Area (sq. in.): 1,418
Wiper Coverage (sq. in.): 1,137
Wiper Efficiency (%): 80%
Side Cab Glass (sq. in.): 936
Rear Cab Glass (sq. in.): 672
Total Cab Glass (sq. in.): 3,026
Ford F-550
Driver's Side Rear: 132"
Driver's Side Forward: 157"
Forward Straight Ahead: 455"
Forward Over Center: 472"
Forward at Hood Corner: 508"
Passenger Side Forward: 294"
Passenger Side Rear: 364"
Windshield Design: 1-piece
Windshield Rake Angle: 34 degrees
Windshield Area (sq. in.): 1,610
Wiper Coverage (sq. in.): 1,273
Wiper Efficiency (%): 79%
Side Cab Glass (sq. in.): 956
Rear Cab Glass (sq. in.): 669
Total Cab Glass (sq. in.): 3,235
Ram 5500
Driver's Side Rear: 135"
Driver's Side Forward: 182"
Forward Straight Ahead: 436"
Forward Over Center: 523"
Forward at Hood Corner: 534"
Passenger Side Forward: 374"
Passenger Side Rear: 410"
Windshield Design: 1-piece
Windshield Rake Angle: 32 degrees
Windshield Area (sq. in.): 1,593
Wiper Coverage (sq. in.): 1,225
Wiper Efficiency (%): 77%
Side Cab Glass (sq. in.): 1,174
Rear Cab Glass (sq. in.): 707
Total Cab Glass (sq. in.): 3,474
Chassis and Frame Equipment
International CV Series
Frame Ratings:
Yield (PSI): 50,000
SM (in): 8.08-10.93
RBM (in.-lbs.): 404,000 - 546,500
Wheelbase Options: 141" - 243"
Frame Rail Design: Drop Center C-Channel with Straight Top Flange
Frame Fasteners: Huck Bolts
Clean CA Option: Available
Front of Frame Extensions: 4" Bumper Extension
Fuel Tanks:
Type: Plastic Molded Tanks
Total Capacity: 25, 40 Gallons
Location: 40 Gallon Between Rails Aft of Rear Ale, 25 Gallon Inside LH Rail Forward of Rear Axle
Duel Capacity: 65 Gallons
Exhaust ATD Configurations:
Mounting: Horizontal
Location: RH Back of Cab
Tailpipe Configurations:
Standard: Exits Behind Rear Axle
Optional: Exits Forward of Rear Tire
DEF Tank Mounting: Outside RH Rail Under Cab
DEF Tank Sizes: 6.75 Gallons
Ford F-550
Frame Ratings:
Yield (PSI): 50,000
SM (in): 12.7
RBM (in.-lbs.): Not Published
Wheelbase Options: 145" - 205"
Frame Rail Design: Variable Depth, Boxed Under Cab, Rear C-Channel
Frame Fasteners: Bolted, Welding and Rivets
Clean CA Option: Available
Front of Frame Extensions: Not Available
Fuel Tanks:
Type: Plastic Molded Tanks
Total Capacity: 26.5, 40 Gallons
Location: 40 Gallon Between Rails Aft or Rear Ale, 26.5 Gallon Inside LH Rail Forward of Rear Axle
Duel Capacity: 66.5 Gallons
Exhaust ATD Configurations:
Mounting: Horizontal
Location: RH Back of Cab
Tailpipe Configurations:
Standard: Exits Behind Rear Axle
Optional: No Published Options
DEF Tank Mounting: Inside of LH Rail, Outside of RH Rail
DEF Tank Sizes: 7.2 Gallons
Ram 5500
Frame Ratings:
Yield (PSI): 50,000
SM (in): Not Published
RBM (in.-lbs.): Not Published
Wheelbase Options: 145" - 205"
Frame Rail Design: Variable Depth Kick Up Rear C-Channel
Frame Fasteners: Bolted and Riveted
Clean CA Option: Available
Front of Frame Extensions: Not Available
Fuel Tanks:
Type: Plastic Molded Tanks
Total Capacity: 22.52 Gallons
Location: 52 Gallon Between Rails Aft of Rear Axle, 22 Gallon Inside LH Rail Forward of Rear Axle
Duel Capacity: 74 Gallons
Exhaust ATD Configurations:
Mounting: Horizontal
Location: RH Back of Cab
Tailpipe Configurations:
Standard: Exits Behind Rear Axle
Optional: No Published Options
DEF Tank Mounting: LH Outside Rail Under Cab
DEF Tank Sizes: 5.5 Gallons
Engine Specifications
International 6.6 V8 Diesel
Truck Model: CV™ Series
Truck Model: International® 6.6 V8 Diesel
Displacement: 6.6L
Engine Block: Cast Iron
Fuel System: High-Pressure Common Rail
Cam: SOHC
Turbocharger: Variable Geometry (VGT)
Horsepower: 350
Torque (lb.-ft.): 700
Dry Weight (lbs.): 835
Warranty: 5 Years/100,000
Ford F-550
Truck Model: Ford
Engine: Power Stroke® 6.7 V8 Diesel
Displacement: 6.7L
Engine Block: Compact Graphite
Fuel System: High-Pressure Common Rail
Cam: DOHC
Turbocharger: Asymmetric
Horsepower: 270-330
Torque (lb.-ft.): 675-725
Dry Weight (lbs.): 920
Warranty: 5 Years/60,000
Dodge
Truck Model: 5500
Engine: 6.4L HEMI® V8 Gasoline
Displacement: 6.4L
Engine Block: Cast Iron
Fuel System: Sequential Multi-Port Injection
Cam: SOHC
Turbocharger: N/A
Horsepower: 410
Torque (lb.-ft.): 429
Dry Weight (lbs.): Not Published
Warranty: 5 Years/60,000
Electrical
International CV Series
Panel Locations: Engine compartment, driver side
Access: No Tools Required
Batteries: 2 or 3 Batteries
Amperage: 1,100-2,250 CCA
Battery Box:
Material: Steel
Cover: Plastic
Location: LH Under Cab
Alternators: Denso SC2/SC6
Amperage: 150-440'
Jump Start Provision: Inside Battery Box Located on Positive Terminal of Outermost Battery
Circuit Protection: Solid-State and Fuses
Optional: No published options
Upfitter Auxiliary Switches: Up to 4 Switches
Body Builder Wiring Access: Back of Cab, Under Crew Cab, End of Frame
Ford F-550
Panel Locations: Engine compartment, passenger side
Access: No Tools Required
Batteries: 1 or 2 Batteries
Amperage: 750-1,500 CCA
Battery Box:
Material: Plastic
Cover: Not Applicable
Location: LH/RH Side Under Hood
Alternators: Ford Motor Company
Amperage: 240-357'
Jump Start Provision: Not Available
Circuit Protection: Solid-State and Fuses
Optional: No published options
Upfitter Auxiliary Switches: 6 Switches
Body Builder Wiring Access: Under Hood, End of Frame
Ram 5500
Panel Locations: Engine compartment, driver side near the battery
Access: No Tools Required
Batteries: 1 or 2 Batteries
Amperage: 730-1,450 CCA
Battery Box:
Material: Plastic
Cover: Not Applicable
Location: LH/RH Side Under Hood
Alternators: Mopar
Amperage: 180-440'
Jump Start Provision: Not Available
Circuit Protection: Solid-State and Fuses
Optional: No published options
Upfitter Auxiliary Switches: Up to 5 Switches
Body Builder Wiring Access: Under Hood, (Lighting) End of Frame
Routine Maintenance
International CV Series
Driver Side Maintenance Points: Oil Check, Oil Fill, Power Steering Reservoir, Transmission Fluid, Brake Fluid
Passenger Side Maintenance Points: Coolant Reservoir, Washer Fluid, Air Cleaner, Filterminder
Translucent Containers (levels-at-a-glance): Coolant Reservoir, Washer Fluid, Power Steering Reservoir, Brake Fluid
ISO Identification: Oil Fill, Transmission Fluid, Power Steering, Coolant Reservoir, Washer Fluid, Brake Fluid
Tethered Caps: Washer Fluid, Coolant Reservoir
Fluid Filter Mounts: All Bottom Load
Hood Pull Force to Open: 35.9 lbs.
Hood Latch Design: Fender-back rubber Straps
Hood Tilt Range: 74 degrees
Ford F-550
Driver Side Maintenance Points: Oil Check, Oil Fill, Power Steering Reservoir, Transmission Fluid, Brake Fluid, Coolant Reservoir, Washer Fluid
Passenger Side Maintenance Points: Air Cleaner, Filterminder
Translucent Containers (levels-at-a-glance): Coolant Reservoir, Washer Fluid, Power Steering Reservoir, Brake Fluid
ISO Identification: Oil Fill, Coolant Reservoir, Washer Fluid, Brake Fluid
Tethered Caps: Washer Fluid
Fluid Filter Mounts: Oil Bottom Load, Fuel Top Load
Hood Pull Force to Open: Not Applicable
Hood Latch Design: Under Dash/Hood
Hood Tilt Range: 45 degrees
Ram 5500
Driver Side Maintenance Points: Oil Check, Oil Fill (valve cover), Transmission Fluid, Power Steering Reservoir, Brake Fluid, Washer Fluid
Passenger Side Maintenance Points: Coolant Reservoir, Air Cleaner
Translucent Containers (levels-at-a-glance): Coolant Reservoir, Power Steering Reservoir, Brake Fluid
ISO Identification: Oil Fill, Coolant Reservoir, Washer Fluid, Brake Fluid
Tethered Caps: Washer Fluid
Fluid Filter Mounts: Oil Bottom Load, Fuel Top Load
Hood Pull Force to Open: Not Applicable
Hood Latch Design: Under Dash/Hood
Hood Tilt Range: 47 degrees
Commercial Grade Design
International CV Series
Available BBCs 115, 149.5"
Windshield Slope: 34 degrees
Cab Construction: Welded Steel
Available Cabs:
Regular
34.5" Crew
Door Construction: Steel
Cab Suspension- Standard: 4-Point Rubber Mounts
Widest Door Opening Angle: 67 degrees
Hood Construction: 3-Piece Composite
Hood Design: Forward Tilting
Hood Tilt Effort: 35.9 lbs.
Hood Operation: Easy to close hood while standing at ground level for nearly any driver
Hood Mechanics: Forward Tilting
Ford F-550
Available BBCs 123.7", 146.3", 158"
Windshield Slope: 34 degrees
Cab Construction: Aluminum Alloy
Available Cabs:
Regular
22.5" Super
34.3" Crew
Door Construction: Aluminum Alloy
Cab Suspension- Standard: 4-Point Rubber Mounts
Widest Door Opening Angle: 75 degrees
Hood Construction: 1-Piece Stamped Aluminum Alloy
Hood Design: Automative-style front opening
Hood Tilt Effort: Not Applicable
Hood Operation: Smaller drivers may need to stand on the front bumper to reach raised hood
Hood Mechanics: Automative Style
Ram 5500
Available BBCs 123", 152"
Windshield Slope: 32 degrees
Cab Construction: Welded Steel
Available Cabs:
Regular
29" Crew
Door Construction: Steel
Cab Suspension- Standard: 4-Point Rubber Mounts
Widest Door Opening Angle: 66 degrees
Hood Construction: 1-Piece Stamped Sheet Metal
Hood Design: Automotive-style front opening
Hood Tilt Effort: Not Applicable
Hood Operation: Smaller drivers may need to stand on front bumper to reach raised hood
Hood Mechanics: Automotive Style
Cab Size and Dimensions
International CV Series
Width:
A-pillar to A-pillar at Dash: 58"
B-pillar to B-pillar at Dash: 57.25"
Cab Width at Shoulder Level: 67.25"
Cab Width at Hip Level: 61.25"
Centerline of Seat to Door at Hips: 13"
Depth:
A-pillar to Back of Cab at Dash: 49"
A-pillar to Back of Cab at Roof: 33.5"
Fuel Pedal Centerline to Back of Cab: 54.5"
Forward Straight Ahead:
Floor to Roof at Dash Edge: 44.75"
Floor to Roof at Seat Edge: 44.75"
Floor to Roof at B-pillar: 45"
Total Volume (CU.FT.): 64
Ford F-550
Width:
A-pillar to A-pillar at Dash: 58.5
B-pillar to B-pillar at Dash: 59.5"
Cab Width at Shoulder Level: 68.75"
Cab Width at Hip Level: 62.75"
Centerline of Seat to Door at Hips: 13.75"
Depth:
A-pillar to Back of Cab at Dash: 54"
A-pillar to Back of Cab at Roof: 38"
Fuel Pedal Centerline to Back of Cab: 49.25"
Forward Straight Ahead:
Floor to Roof at Dash Edge: 48"
Floor to Roof at Seat Edge: 46"
Floor to Roof at B-pillar: 49"
Total Volume (CU.FT.): 71
RAM 5500
Width:
A-pillar to A-pillar at Dash: 58.25"
B-pillar to B-pillar at Dash: 61.75"
Cab Width at Shoulder Level: 69.75"
Cab Width at Hip Level: 62.75"
Centerline of Seat to Door at Hips: 12.75"
Depth:
A-pillar to Back of Cab at Dash: 53.5"
A-pillar to Back of Cab at Roof: 37.25"
Fuel Pedal Centerline to Back of Cab: 58.5"
Forward Straight Ahead:
Floor to Roof at Dash Edge: 45.75"
Floor to Roof at Seat Edge: 45.75"
Floor to Roof at B-pillar: 48.5"
Total Volume (CU.FT.): 75
Transmissions and Equipment
International CV Series
Manual Transmissions: Not Available
Automated Transmissions: Not Available
Automatic Transmissions: Allison: 1700, 1750, 2700, 2750 6-speed (HS, EVS, RDS, MH)
Shifter Options: Column Mounted Shifter
PTO Locations:
Model: Allison: 1700, 1750, 2700, 2750
Size: 6-Bolt
Location: LH/RH Side Mount (N/A - HS Series)
Ford F-550
Manual Transmissions: Not Available
Automated Transmissions: Not Available
Automatic Transmissions: Ford: TorqShift® 6-speed
Shifter Options: Column Mounted Shifter
PTO Locations:
Model: Ford: TorqShift®
Size: 6-Bolt
Location: LH Side Mount
RAM 5500
Manual Transmissions: Mercedes: G56 6-speed
Automated Transmissions: Not Available
Automatic Transmissions: AISIN: AS66RC HD, AS69RC H/D 6-speed
Shifter Options: Column Mounted Shifter
PTO Locations:
Model: Mercedes: MB G56 6-speed
Size: 6-Bolt, LH/RH Side Mount AISIN: AS66RC, HD, AS69RC HD 6-Bolt
Location: RH Side Mount
Axles and Maneuverability
International CV Series
Axle Configurations:
Set-Forward: 34"
Set-Back: Not Available
Front Axles: Dana Spicer
Capacities: 6,000-8,000 lbs.
Front Drive Axles - Capacities: 7,500 lbs.
Front Suspension - Spring Type: Taper-leaf with Shocks
Capacities: 6,000-8,000 lbs.
Standard Steering Gear: Bosch S2 8014 Plus
inside Wheel Cut:
LH: 42 degrees
RH: 42 degrees
Calculated Turning Radius (165" WB, LH): 25.7'
Rear Axles: Dana Spicer
Single: 10,000-15,500 lbs.
Rear Suspensions Spring: International Vari-rate
Air: International Ride Optimized Suspension
Capacities: 11,000 15,500 lbs.
Ford F-550
Axle Configurations:
Set-Forward: 38"
Set-Back: Not Available
Front Axles: Dana Spicer
Capacities: 7,000 lbs.
Front Drive Axles - Capacities: 7,500 lbs.
Front Suspension - Spring Type: Mono-Beam Axle, Twin Coil Springs with Shock Absorbers and Standard Stabilizer Bar
Capacities: 7,000-7,500 lbs.
Standard Steering Gear: Not published
inside Wheel Cut:
LH: 45 degrees
RH: 46 degrees
Calculated Turning Radius (165" WB, LH): 24.3'
Rear Axles: Dana Spicer
Single: 13,660-14,706 lbs.
Rear Suspensions Spring: Leaf, Single-stage Constant-rate main with auxiliary
Air: Not Available
Capacities: 13,900 15,000 lbs.
RAM 5500
Axle Configurations:
Set-Forward: 39"
Set-Back: Not Available
Front Axles: Magna
Capacities: 7,000 lbs.
Front Drive Axles - Capacities: 7,000 lbs.
Front Suspension - Spring Type: 5-Link Front Suspension Coil Spring with Shock Absorbers and Standard Stabilizer Bar
Capacities: 7,000 lbs.
Standard Steering Gear: Not published
inside Wheel Cut:
LH: 40 degrees
RH: 41 degrees
Calculated Turning Radius (165" WB, LH): 26.6'
Rear Axles: Dana Spicer
Single: 13,500 lbs.
Rear Suspensions Spring: Two-stage Multi-leaf, Constant-rate main with sway bar
Air: Not Available
Capacities: 13,500 lbs.
Important Takeaways
- Unlike some competitive designs with cut and welded designs or rivets in the top flange, the CV Series offers a straight, one-piece frame rail for efficient upfitting and outstanding durability.
- The CV Series, with its wide, panoramic windshield and highly sloped hood, maintains clear visibility advantages across many angles measured. The over-center hood visibility beats the Ram 5500 by over three feet.
- CV™ Series offers a full tilting hood making engine access quick and painless while standing on the ground. The Ford F-550 and Ram 5500 have automotive style hoods that force you to lean over the fenders to access maintenance items. Smaller drivers may also need to stand on the front bumper to reach the raised hood.
- The CV Series electrical components necessary during the upfit process (power modules, connections and switches) are all included and designed into the electrical system to help streamline body installation.
Why you should buy an International CV
Cab
- Standard, self-cleaning, high-grip steps are ideally placed so drivers and passengers can enter and exit the cab with ease
- Inlaid, triple-seal doors reduce outside road noise
- The Forward-Tilting Hood provides easy access to the engine and routine service points
- Wide Load Side Mirrors with manual folding/extending are standard. Powered/heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals are available
Cab Interior
- The CV Series offers comfortable, three-across seating
- The center seat back can be lowered and used as an armest and beverage holder
- The center seat bottom cushion raises to provide additional storage
- Auto-dimming rear view mirror is available
- High-wear cloth seats provide extra support and keep your crew comfortable
Chassis
- Single high strength low alloy steel (50,000 PSI yield strength) frame rail with no rivets on the top flange for easy body mounting
- Available air ride rear suspension with flexible ride height
- Meritor gear-driven transfer case - more durable than most chain-driven designs
- Industry-exclusive painted chassis for enhanced longevity and corrosion resistance
- Available clean CA package for efficient body installations
Powertrain
- The 6.6L Diesel Engine has been available for over 15 years while logging more than 100 billion real-world miles
- Industry-standard Allison 6-speed automatic transmission - proven dependability in high-demand application
Upfitting
- Standard, pre-drilled holes for snowplow brackets are included in the front frame assembly
- Dual battery box is located under the cab. An optional third battery is available for installation during body mounting
Support Services
- With 720 dealer locations, the industry's broadest and most capable support network is never far away
