Jump start/compressor/inverter/power source combos?

[RallyJon]

I'm looking for one of these to have around for jump starts, inflating tires without having to run the big compressor, etc.

I've seen them really cheap at HF, but there are also some branded versions from Xantrex, Coleman, Black & Decker, etc.

Any BTDTs? Are any of them better than the rest, or is this the sort of thing you buy by price then replace every couple of years?

[RallyJon]

Well, found this one which seems to be pretty heavy duty:
http://www.jumpstarter.com/site_prod.asp?sku_pk=51

More power (1700amps) than the others and claims to inflate a tire from empty in "4-7 minutes". My experience is limited to the little CH 12v inflator, which seems to take forever to raise the pressure 2psi.

[johnco]

I bought one recently knowing I'd need it sooner or later. Just my luck I needed a jump right there in the parking lot. I used it a couple times a week until I relaced my batteries. My only complaint is that the air chuck won't fit my valves. Tried truck tires, wheelbarrow tires, etc. and can't get it to fit any of the valves. I've used it to jump start several cars and have no problem with that part of it and it has a home in the backseat just in case. got mine from Sam's

[Anton]

I had one of the cheap ones. Picked it up last fall. It's laying out by the trash now.

[RallyJon]

The more I research this, the more it seems that none of them have a decent compressor.

I think I may be better off getting a dedicated 120v inflator for maintaining tire pressures and a separate battery for jumps.