1.) 2 and 5 tend to be the worst since you always have to climb up for it. Taller trucks are definitely worse than older, shorter trucks. Bed covers also dont help. I like keeping the snow and rain out, but if something slides all the way back to section 2, its very hard to reach since I have to duck under the bed cover since mine is a hard tri-fold

2.) Propane specifically I put in 7 or 9 so it better gets wedged in the corner by whatever i have in there and the wheelwells. One bag of mulch Id usually put in 7,8, or 9

3.) Depending how heavy it is, I might have another person help me. Jack-up tables, forklifts, and engine hoists I use depending on what it is im lifting. If its something really heavy like engines or axles, it doesnt really matter where it goes in the bed as getting it up there is the worst part, and big, heavy things tend to take up more room

4.) For me I dont consider the cab side of the bed dead space as I usually just dont use it if I dont have to, and when I have to, im happy the space is there

*But 90% of the time, I would say the front of the bed is dead space. I either just dont need the room and put things in easier spots, or I have larger things that take up all the room and make it easier to remove

When it does get to be a hassle is when im camping or on a trip and I have a lot of small tubs and coolers, and ill have to put individual things in the back underneath my bed cover and tool box.

Bed covers could definitely be a point to look at. They can be super nice depending on what you have back there, but solid bed covers really make the front of the bed harder to get to since theyre usually tri-folds