SSB can be used to increase range due to its increased power and narrow bandwith. You can google what it sounds like. In the original star wars movie the battle scene at the end sounds liek SSB. You loose fidelity but gain power and range. Like the previous comments mentioned unless there is someone else with SSB it won't help much.
If you want to increase range the best thing to do is to have a good antenna with a good ground and make sure it is properly tuned with an SWR meter. The best antenna is a long 102" whip which is 1/4 wavelength. The shorter antenna you use, the easier it is to drive with, but you sacrifice range. Normally on the trail all that is needed is a 1/4 mile or so. A firestick or other shortened antenna will work for that. In my experience with firesticks, the 3 foot version is hard to tune across all 40 channels resulting in power loss. The 4 foot version is much better. You can see the 4 foot version on my profile pick mounted to my jeep. I have made contacts over a couple of miles with this setup without SSB on AM.
A ham license is great if you want to make longer distance contacts or use repeaters but takes some work. There are many ham-crams around that teach you and then you take the test all in 1 day. For the basic technician license this is a great way to start. I have been a ham for a long time.
GMRS radios are also a great way to go if your group agrees to use them. No license is required and the audio and range is better than CB usually since GMRS is FM not AM. Just like in your car radio FM is usually more clear.
There are a lot of choices. Maybe one day overlanders can agree on a favorite radio type and channel.
