My wife has yet to drive our DRW. But then she's complained loudly (but would drive) my previous 1/2 ton trucks. I was dead set against getting a DRW when I was truck shopping, but was on the limit with the 5er we wanted and was tired of towing on the edge as I'd previously done so bit the bullet and went DRW.
Pretty anti-climactic it turns out. About the only time the hips are a problem is finding a place to get the thing washed honestly. And maybe some tighter drive-thrus. Parking hassles stem from the length (8' bed) moreso than the width (I always back in, which seems to be the key)
But to the OP concern, I definitely get the DW disdain factor! Mamma needs to be happy. I've never towed with a SRW 1 ton before, but I sure love how relaxed I am towing with this DRW beast. Look forward to towing now.