Optimized for Regional Haul: The International RH Series Advantage | Class-Leading Maneuverability, Advanced Safety Technology, and Driver-Focused Comfort for Maximum Productivity

You’ve just threaded a 2020 International RH Series through a narrow city street that makes most truck drivers hold their breath—the 50-degree wheel cut working its magic as you line up perfectly with a loading dock that seemed impossibly tight from the approach.

For fleet managers and owner-operators who live in the regional haul world, the International RH Series represents something rare: a truck designed from the ground up for the specific demands of local and regional work. Unlike long-haul tractors adapted for shorter routes, the RH Series was built with city streets, frequent deliveries, and driver comfort as non-negotiable priorities. Understanding what makes this truck special can help you decide if it’s the right tool for your operation.

Key Takeaways

• Maneuverability Champion: The RH Series delivers a 50-degree wheel cut and a turning radius of just 27 feet, 10 inches—best-in-class for navigating tight urban environments .
• Visibility Advantage: Drivers can see the road as close as 21 feet in front of the bumper, reducing accidents and improving confidence in congested areas .
• Fuel Efficiency Gains: 2020 models received significant aerodynamic updates and standard Predictive Cruise Control, improving fuel economy by up to 2% on mixed terrain .
• Safety Standard: Bendix Wingman Advanced Collision Mitigation came standard—an industry first for regional haul trucks .
• Driver Retention Focus: The DriverFirst interior philosophy puts everything within easy reach, with up to 15 customizable digital gauges and premium trim options .

Understanding the International RH Series: Built for the Regional Life

The International RH Series, launched in 2017 and refined for the 2020 model year, was designed to replace the ProStar 113-inch BBC model and the TranStar 107 . But it’s more than just a replacement—it’s a rethinking of what a regional haul tractor should be.

What Makes Regional Haul Different

Regional haul means different things to different fleets, but it generally involves daily routes that keep drivers within a few hundred miles of home. These trucks face unique challenges: city traffic, tight loading docks, frequent starts and stops, and the need for quick maneuverability. A long-haul tractor adapted for regional work makes compromises. The RH Series doesn’t.

“We drew upon the expertise of drivers to ensure that the RH Series is the most driver-centric Class 8 regional haul vehicle we’ve ever built,” said Denny Mooney, senior vice president of Global Product Development at Navistar .

Maneuverability: The RH Series Secret Weapon

Ask any regional driver what matters most, and maneuverability will be near the top of the list. The RH Series delivers where it counts.

The 50-Degree Wheel Cut

With an inside wheel cut of up to 50 degrees, the RH Series achieves a curb-to-curb turning radius of just 27 feet, 10 inches . For context, that’s tighter than many passenger vehicles. This isn’t just a spec sheet number—it’s a real-world advantage when you’re backing into a loading dock in an older part of town or navigating a construction site with equipment parked everywhere.

The standard wide-track front axle provides this agility while maintaining stability at highway speeds .

Can you imagine how much stress this relieves for drivers who face tight urban deliveries multiple times per day?

Feature/Model Insight	Best For	Availability	Key Material/Tech	Real-World Impact
50° Wheel Cut	Tight city streets, cramped loading docks	Standard on all RH models	Wide-track front axle design	27’10” turning radius, best-in-class
Sloped Hood Design	Forward visibility, pedestrian safety	Standard	Aerodynamic composite	See road 21′ in front of bumper
Predictive Cruise Control	Highway fuel efficiency, reduced brake wear	Standard on 2020 models	GPS-topography integration	Up to 2% fuel savings on mixed terrain
Bendix Wingman Fusion	Collision avoidance, driver safety	Standard	Radar+camera integration	Industry-first standard safety package

Visibility: Seeing the Difference

Forward visibility in the RH Series is among the industry’s best at as little as 21 feet to the road in front of the bumper . This comes from thoughtful design choices: a large swept-back windshield, optimized mirror placement, and that aerodynamic sloped hood all work together to give drivers a clear view of their surroundings.

Redesigned side windows and mirrors provide enhanced side visibility, helping drivers spot pedestrians, cyclists, and obstacles that might otherwise hide in blind spots .

The Evolution of Regional Haul Trucks

The RH Series represents the culmination of decades of development in the regional haul segment.

• 1980s – Regional haul isn’t really a distinct category. Fleets use the same trucks for everything, making compromises everywhere.
• 1990s – Manufacturers begin offering different specs for different applications, but the cabs and chassis are largely shared across configurations.
• 2000s – The first purpose-built regional haul trucks appear, with shorter wheelbases and improved maneuverability.
• 2010-2015 – Driver comfort becomes a priority as retention challenges grow. Aerodynamics improve fuel efficiency.
• 2017 – International launches the RH Series, designed from scratch for regional haul with driver input at every stage .
• 2020 – Refinements include enhanced aerodynamics, standard Predictive Cruise Control, and over-the-air update capability .
• 2025 – International announces the eRH electric version, bringing zero-emission capability to regional haul with up to 300 miles of range .

2020 Model Year Upgrades: What Changed

For the 2020 model year, International introduced several enhancements that made the RH Series even more competitive .

Aerodynamic Improvements

The 2020 models received a host of aerodynamic updates designed to improve fuel efficiency :

• Enhanced roof fairings
• Day cab extenders that are 12 inches longer, closing the tractor-trailer gap
• Sleeper cab extenders that are 3 inches longer, reducing the gap further
• Steering wheel closeouts around the front tires
• Longer chassis skirt Vidon strips that are damage-resistant
• New cab-to-skirt closeouts to reduce wind drag
• 1-inch lower bumper valence
• Flow Below 2.0 design (optimized for the LT Series but benefiting shared learnings)

“Keeping the airflow ‘attached’ to the vehicle can result in smoother airflow around the vehicle, reducing turbulence that can increase drag and decrease fuel efficiency,” noted Chet Ciesielski, vice president of On-Highway Business at Navistar .

Predictive Cruise Control Goes Standard

For 2020, Predictive Cruise Control became standard on the RH Series . This system uses GPS and topographical map data to “see” the road ahead. It allows drivers to set an average cruise speed while the customer defines an allowable range above and below that average. The truck then adjusts speed automatically for maximum fuel efficiency and reduced foundation brake wear.

With the International A26 engine, drivers can anticipate an average of 2 percent savings in fuel efficiency on a 50/50 mix of flat and hilly terrain .

Over-the-Air Updates

New 2020 RH Series trucks equipped with the A26 engine include the capability to make remote cellular over-the-air updates to authorized engine calibrations and programmable parameters . This means fewer dealer visits for software-related updates and more time on the road.

The A26 Engine: Purpose-Built Power

The RH Series was the first model to get the International A26 engine as standard . This 12.4-liter powerplant was designed specifically for regional haul applications.

Key A26 Specifications

• Horsepower: Up to 450 hp
• Torque: Up to 1,750 lb.-ft.
• Weight: 600-700 pounds lighter than traditional 15-liter big bore engines
• Construction: Built from the proven MAN D26 engine crankcase

The A26’s lighter weight translates directly to increased payload capacity—every pound saved on the truck is a pound available for freight. And its 12.4-liter displacement is a perfect match for regional duty cycles that don’t require the massive displacement of long-haul engines.

For beverage delivery, bulk haul, and other regional applications, the A26 delivers the right power without excess weight or fuel consumption .

The DriverFirst Interior: Where Comfort Meets Productivity

International’s DriverFirst design philosophy guided every aspect of the RH Series interior. This wasn’t an afterthought—it came from extensive research with hundreds of drivers in clinics designed to understand exactly what makes a truck comfortable and productive .

Premium Gauge Cluster

The premium gauge cluster positions key information where drivers can see it without distraction :

• Real-time monitoring: View fuel consumption to understand how driving style affects economy
• Axle loading: See specific axle weights to maximize safety and legal compliance
• Safety alerts: Critical warnings appear in the cluster, eliminating the need for additional displays
• Tire pressure monitoring: Catch problems before they become failures
• Customizable digital gauges: Set up to 15 gauges with the information you need most

Trim Levels for Every Preference

The RH Series offers three interior trim levels :

• Classic: Neutral color inserts on doors and instrument panel with black interior door handles
• Diamond: Mineral Grey Teak woodgrain accents and bright door handles for a more upscale feel
• Diamond Elite: Satin Mahogany woodgrain with diamond design stitching on door panel inserts

The air horn was relocated back to its traditional position over the driver door in response to overwhelming driver feedback—small details that make a big difference in daily comfort .

Quieter Operation

The same aerodynamic improvements that boosted fuel efficiency also reduced wind noise by four Sones . That’s a significant reduction in driver fatigue over a 10-hour shift. When you’re spending your days in the truck, a quieter cabin isn’t a luxury—it’s a productivity tool.

Safety: Standard Equipment That Protects

The RH Series made history by making Bendix Wingman Advanced Collision Mitigation standard equipment—an industry first in the regional haul market .

Bendix Wingman Fusion

The system combines radar and camera technology to provide:

• Collision mitigation: Automatic braking if a slower-moving or stopped vehicle is detected ahead
• Following distance alerts: Helps drivers maintain safe gaps
• Stationary object alerts: Can identify stopped vehicles in the lane ahead
• Lane departure warning: Alerts if the truck drifts out of its lane

This technology acts as a constant guardian, reducing the mental load of driving and making every journey safer.

Configurations for Every Application

The RH Series offers flexibility to match specific operational needs .

Cab and Sleeper Options

• Day Cab
• 56″ Low Roof Sleeper
• 56″ Hi-Rise Sleeper
• Day Cab with Roof Fairing
• 56″ Hi-Rise Sleeper with Roof Fairing

Axle Configurations

• 4×2
• 6×2
• 6×4

GVWR Range

From 32,000 to 60,000 pounds, covering virtually all regional haul applications .

The Electric Future: eRH Series

In 2025, International announced the eRH Series, bringing electric power to the regional haul segment .

eRH Key Specifications

• Range: Up to 300 miles per charge, depending on configuration
• Battery Options: 300kWh to 500kWh usable capacity with lithium NMC chemistry
• Axle Configurations: Available in 4×2 and 6×4
• Regenerative Braking: Three driver-selectable levels
• BBC Measurement: 113 inches, matching the diesel version for visibility

Built on the proven foundation of the diesel RH Series, the eRH retains the maneuverability and visibility that made the original successful while adding zero-emission capability .

“Our teams have been working hand in hand with our customers throughout this development process to ensure that the eRH not only meets the demands of their business today but will continue to do so well into the future,” said Michael Grahe, executive vice president of Research and Development at International .

Real-World Applications

The RH Series excels in specific vocational applications :

Regional Haul

The core mission. Daily routes that keep drivers within a few hundred miles of home, with the maneuverability to handle urban deliveries and the comfort to make long days productive.

Tanker

The lightweight A26 engine maximizes payload for liquid bulk hauling, while the excellent visibility helps when maneuvering around tight loading racks.

Local Delivery

The 50-degree wheel cut and 21-foot forward visibility make the RH Series a natural fit for beverage delivery, LTL freight, and other applications where the truck spends as much time in cities as on highways.

FAQ: Your Questions About the International RH Series Answered

Q: What makes the RH Series different from the LT Series?
A: The RH Series is specifically designed for regional haul applications, with a tighter turning radius (27’10”), enhanced forward visibility, and a 113-inch BBC measurement optimized for local and regional work. The LT Series is built for long-haul applications with different aerodynamic treatments and sleeper options .

Q: What engine comes standard in the RH Series?
A: The International A26 12.4-liter engine is standard, producing up to 450 horsepower and 1,750 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s 600-700 pounds lighter than traditional 15-liter engines, maximizing payload .

Q: How much fuel efficiency improvement did the 2020 models offer?
A: 2020 models received aerodynamic enhancements and standard Predictive Cruise Control. With the A26 engine, Predictive Cruise Control delivers an average of 2% fuel savings on mixed terrain. Combined aerodynamic and driveline improvements make the RH Series up to 6 percent more fuel-efficient overall .

Q: What safety features come standard?
A: Bendix Wingman Advanced Collision Mitigation comes standard, making the RH Series the first regional haul truck to offer this level of safety technology as standard equipment .

Q: Can I get an electric version of the RH Series?
A: Yes. International announced the eRH Series in 2025, offering up to 300 miles of range with battery options from 300kWh to 500kWh. Production begins in the first half of 2026 .

Q: What trim levels are available?
A: Three trim levels: Classic (neutral accents), Diamond (woodgrain accents, bright door handles), and Diamond Elite (premium woodgrain, diamond-stitched door panels) .

Q: What is Predictive Cruise Control and how does it work?
A: It’s an intelligent cruise control system that uses GPS and topographical data to “see” the road ahead. It automatically adjusts speed for hills and curves to maximize fuel efficiency and reduce brake wear .

Q: How many digital gauges can I customize?
A: The premium gauge cluster allows you to customize up to 15 digital gauges to display the information most relevant to your operation .

Finding Your RH Series Advantage

Whether you’re looking at a 2020 model with the A26 engine and the aerodynamic refinements that year brought, or considering the future with the eRH electric version, the International RH Series offers distinct advantages for regional haul operations.

The combination of best-in-class maneuverability, exceptional visibility, standard safety technology, and driver-focused comfort makes it a compelling choice for fleets that take regional work seriously. And with the electric eRH on the horizon, the platform is positioned to remain relevant as the industry evolves.

What’s your experience with regional haul trucks? Have you driven the RH Series, or are you considering adding one to your fleet? Share your stories and questions in the comments below.

References:

• Fleet Transport: International eRH Series Introduction
• Heavy Duty Trucking: 2020 International Model Upgrades
• Fleet Maintenance: RH Series Launch
• International Trucks: Official RH Series Page
• Heavy Duty Trucking: International Introduces eRH
• International Newsroom: RH Series Launch Press Release
• Charged EVs: eRH Series Coverage
• Fleet Equipment Magazine: 2020 LT/RH Fuel Efficiency
• Commercial Carrier Journal: RH Series Debut