Automatic retarder level too low on cruise control?

[Max]

i'm not talking about number of retarder steps, but its strength.
do you mod "transmission_viscosity_retarder_factor" somehow in physics data?

[SiSL]

Could it be inline with Brake strength slider chosen by player somewhat?

[abasstreppas]

In my experience it needs like 30% more efficiency when using CC. As it is now it works ok on normal donwhill, but if it gets steeper it's impossible for the CC to keep its speed inside the margin.

[room217au]

abass ..
That's when you tap the brake pedal

[piva]

For me most interest option is ACC instead of CC

[natvander]

Does this help? It's specifically for the DAF/Paccar MX engines but I'd imagine it could be the basis for other engine retarders.

DAF Retarder Systems

[Max]

thanks (even though i have this already).
unfortunately in simulation we are using viscosity value for retarder, which is quite different and not directly comparable. which was reason i asked for relative values ..

[stb155]

Game is actually accurate in this regard.

Read a Volvo FH(classic) manual recently.
Standard setting is that the retarder only activates 7kph beyond the set engine cruise control speed, and switches of at +3 or 4kph over set speed again.
So you will always go at least 3-7kph over set speed on steep downhill.

Newer trucks have a separated downhill/braking cruise control that is usually set higher than the engine cruise control.
(idea is to accelerate with gravity instead of fuel downhill and use that excess speed/energy on the next uphill section, or roll out on the next straight)

If you already storm uphill/over the crest with 85, and the police start ticketing @86 this is an issue of course.

IRL you can always use the auxiliary brakes stalk (engine brake+retarder) to slow down.
In ETS there are 3 problems with that.
Retarder+engine brake are 2 completely separate systems.
Engine brake is not used at all by cruise control (retarder alone not always powerful enough with heavy truck).
Using either one manually throws out the engine cruise control (which is wrong).

But this would still be a waste of fuel.
What you should do is reduce set speed to 75-80 when going uphill, switch off CC before the crest, roll over it with 70, then built up speed downhill again, engage CC when kph start falling again, ideally at 85.